Inside a lab in Dan Black Hall, Cal State Fullerton student Ashley Robinson mixes fluorescent particles with tiny nematodes, commonly known as vinegar eelworms.
Through the experiments, Robinson, a double major in physics and philosophy, is studying how the millimeter-sized worms sync their direction of motion and oscillate their bodies in unison — behaviors rare in nature.
When in such a synchronized state, these squiggly worms can move objects with a force hundreds of times their own weight.
Anton Peshkov, assistant professor of physics and Robinson’s research adviser, said the research aims to learn more about the eelworm’s synchronized motion and better understand how active matter works. The project is funded by a nearly $375,000 grant from the National Science Foundation.
While conducting postdoctoral research, Peshkov discovered the unique and mesmerizing motion of the vinegar eels and the strong fluid flows they produce when they wiggle in sync as they move together.
Peshkov, who earned a doctorate in physics from the Université Pierre et Marie Curie in France, said that active matter, such as eelworms’ ability for synchronization, is similar to the sight of a flock of birds flying together in unison or a school of fish collectively escaping a predator.
“Understanding this phenomenon of collective motion is of fundamental importance for science, particularly in biophysics, which uses physics to understand how biological systems work,” said Peshkov, who joined CSUF in 2022.
The researchers are studying nematodes to expand their knowledge of how active matter can be used for both the displacement of objects and the generation of fluid flows. Studying the physical rules that allow this collective motion will assist researchers in developing applications in robotics and targeted medicine delivery.
“The collective motion of vinegar eelworms is an example of a new kind of active matter in which particles can synchronize both their direction of motion and their oscillations,” Peshkov said.
Peshkov said the round vinegar eelworm, whose scientific name is Turbatrix aceti, was the first nematode ever described. Discovered in 1656 by Pierre Borel, personal physician to the French King Louis XIV, nematodes live their entire life cycle in vinegar or other suitable fluids. The eelworms are often found in the sediment of unpasteurized vinegar, where the worms feed on bacteria and fungi.
Preparing for Research Careers in Biophysics
Robinson’s research focuses on making 3-D printed objects and using sophisticated imaging and software systems to create a controlled environment to model the nematodes’ wave-like collective movements.
“We’re able to modify the desired special movements of the nematode as well as create circular flows and more,” she said. “Through our research, we hope to get closer to understanding how we can control such states and how it can be applied to advancing the biomedical and biophysics fields.”
In addition to Robinson, other students working on the project are undergraduate physics student Evan Negrete, and graduate students Christina Ceballos, who is studying biology, and Rommell Pennell, a physics major.
Robinson has received over $13,000 in scholarships from the Dan Black Family Fellowship and the California State University STEM-NET Summer Student Research program to support her research.
“These awards are based on my research goals and have helped me immensely so I can devote more time in the lab and attend physics conferences,” said Robinson, a first-generation university student.
Initially interested in biology, Robinson switched to physics after taking the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics’ Think Like Einstein course. The course introduces first-year students to science disciplines.
By working on the research project, Robinson is learning advanced lab and imaging techniques and sharpening critical thinking skills to prepare for graduate school. She plans to pursue a doctorate in biophysics and aspires to a career as a physics professor and researcher.
“Working with Dr. Peshkov has opened many doors for me,” Robinson said. “I hope to reach a point where I can branch off and apply my gained research skills to my own area of investigation and contribute to advancing the field.”