Midori Sakura, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Division of Biomolecular Organization, Molecular Physiology

Research Interests

The ultimate aim of my research is to elucidate working principles of the insect brain. In spite of their tiny brains, many insects are capable to exhibit sophisticated behavior, which is well adapted to their environment. I am investigating how the CNS controls such an adaptive behavior, especially focusing on the following two topics; 1) neural mechanisms underlying spatial navigation and 2) neural control of agonistic behavior.

Research Focus

1) Neural mechanisms underlying polarization vision in insects.

2) Space recognition and navigation in honeybees.

3) Neural control of aggressive behavior in crickets.

Recent Publications

  • Sakura M, Aonuma H (2013)
    Aggressive behavior in the antennectomized male cricket Gryllus bimaculatus.
    J. Exp. Biol. in press.
  • Mizuno T, Sakura M, Ashikaga M, Aonuma H, Chiba R, Ota J (2012)
    Model of a sensory-behavioral relation mechanism for aggressive behavior in crickets.
    Robot. Auton. Syst. 60, 700-706
  • Sakura M, Okada R, Aonuma H (2012)
    Evidence for instantaneous e-vector detection in the honeybee using an associative learning paradigm.
    Proc. Roy. Soc. B 279, 535-542
  • Sakura M, Lambrinos D, Labhart T (2008)
    Polarized skylight navigation in insects: model and electrophysiology of e-vector coding by neurons in the central complex.
    J Neurophysiol. 99, 667-682.
  • Sakura M, Hiraguchi T, Ohkawara K, Aonuma H (2008)
    The compartment structures of the antennal lobe in the ant Aphaenogaster smythiesi japonica.
    Acta Biol. Hung. 59, 183-187.

Contact

Office: Bldg C, Room 618 (Lab: Room 620)

Tel: +81-78-803-5711

Fax: +81-78-803-5711

E-mail: skr@port.kobe-u.ac.jp