Although I began my scientific career studying mammalian brains, I later switched to molluscan species. My favorite experimental animal was the brown garden snail Cornu aspersum (formerly known as Helix aspersa). Many people are surprised to learn that snails and slugs have brains, let alone that they have the world’s largest neurons. The large size of snail neurons and the relatively small number make snail brains easier to study than human brains. Moreover, there are fewer ethical concerns.
My research was inspired by the work of Dr. Eric Kandel. While still a graduate student, I read his article titled, “Cellular neurophysiological approaches in the study of learning,” Soon thereafter, he published articles describing the cellular mechanisms responsible for learning and memory in the marine slug, Aplysia californica. I understood what Kandel, a psychiatrist, was up to. He knew that life experiences (learning), are important factors in mental illness. The road to effective treatments led him to examine the cellular mechanisms in a simple, technically approachable model system. Kandel was rewarded with a Nobel Prize for his work, while I tagged along far behind.
Much of my research focused on the olfactory system of terrestrial snails. These animals have no sense of hearing and very poor vision. They rely on their sense of smell to locate food and find mates.
Schematic drawing of the snail's olfactory system.
My research was inspired by the work of Dr. Eric Kandel. While still a graduate student, I read his article titled, “Cellular neurophysiological approaches in the study of learning,” Soon thereafter, he published articles describing the cellular mechanisms responsible for learning and memory in the marine slug, Aplysia californica. I understood what Kandel, a psychiatrist, was up to. He knew that life experiences (learning), are important factors in mental illness. The road to effective treatments led him to examine the cellular mechanisms in a simple, technically approachable model system. Kandel was rewarded with a Nobel Prize for his work, while I tagged along far behind.
Much of my research focused on the olfactory system of terrestrial snails. These animals have no sense of hearing and very poor vision. They rely on their sense of smell to locate food and find mates.
Schematic drawing of the snail's olfactory system.