Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

Although animals may employ different thermoregulatory mechanisms, most will attempt to maintain a reasonably constant body temperature. Endotherms (e.g. ""warm-blooded animals"") do so by balancing internal heat production from metabolism with precise control over core and peripheral blood flow. This peripheral blood flow is precisely controlled to the body's natural thermal windows (e.g., limbs, ears, bills, tails). In fact, studying the control of heat loss from these structures sheds light on how the brain attempts to balance heat production and heat loss. The equipment requested in this proposal is state-of-the art infrared imaging and calorimetric equipment that will enable me and a research team of students and collaborators to conduct investigations into the control of heat loss in animals. Precisely measuring the movement of body heat from the animal to the environment will be made possible with direct calorimeter, and in combination with the infrared imaging system, the exact amount of heat leaving particular regions of the body is possible to assess. Much of the equipment will enable me to conduct non-invasive measurements of thermoregulation in animals. These sorts of measurements will lead to minimal disturbance to the animals, and thus generate more accurate and reliable measurements. This instrumentation will be of lasting use to many other questions regarding temperature regulation, metabolism and blood flow that will be conducted in my laboratory, including investigations into the evolution of thermal adaptations as well as operating as diagnostic tools for neurophysiological disorders that impact thermoregulation.