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Department
  • Physiology, Development and Neuroscience
    • Research Theme Beyond the Neuron
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    Dr Matthew Mason

    University Position
    Professor

    Interests

    I investigate the function and evolution of the middle ear apparatus in vertebrates. Comparative anatomy is backed up with more recent techniques, such as micro-CT and laser interferometry, in order to visualise the middle ear structures and examine their motion. Measurements are incorporated into models of middle ear function, to establish the hearing ranges and sensitivities of the ears, the results being considered in the light of the ecology of the animals. One main focus has been the function of the extraordinarily enlarged ossicles of some subterranean mammals, apparently used for detection of seismic vibrations by a form of inertial bone conduction. Another focus of my research has been the function of the middle ear of amphibians, which I have shown to be considerably more complicated than has previously been realised, and which may also be used for detection of vibrations other than airborne sound waves.

    Key Publications

    The naked truth: a comprehensive clarification and classification of current ‘myths’ in naked mole-rat biology.

    DOI: http://doi.org/10.1111/brv.12791
    Journal: Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc
    E-pub date: 1 Feb 2022
    Authors: R Buffenstein, V Amoroso, B Andziak, S Avdieiev, J Azpurua, AJ Barker, NC Bennett, MA Brieño-Enríquez, GN Bronner, C Coen, MA Delaney, CM Dengler-Crish, YH Edrey, CG Faulkes, D Frankel, G Friedlander, PA Gibney, V Gorbunova, C Hine, MM Holmes, JUM Jarvis, Y Kawamura, N Kutsukake, C Kenyon, WT Khaled, T Kikusui, J Kissil, S Lagestee, J Larson, A Lauer, LA Lavrenchenko, A Lee, JB Levitt, GR Lewin, KN Lewis Hardell, TD Lin, MJ Mason, D McCloskey, M McMahon, K Miura, K Mogi, V Narayan, TP O'Connor, K Okanoya, MJ O'Riain, TJ Park, NJ Place, K Podshivalova, ME Pamenter, SJ Pyott, J Reznick, JG Ruby, AB Salmon, J Santos-Sacchi, DK Sarko, A Seluanov, A Shepard, M Smith, KB Storey, X Tian, EN Vice, M Viltard, A Watarai, E Wywial, M Yamakawa, ED Zemlemerova, M Zions, ESJ Smith

    Publications

    Parallel evolution of semicircular canal form and sensitivity in subterranean mammals.

    DOI: http://doi.org/10.1007/s00359-022-01578-7
    Journal: J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol
    E-pub date: 1 Nov 2022
    Authors: J Goyens, S Baeckens, ESJ Smith, J Pozzi, MJ Mason

    Ear Structures of the Naked Mole-Rat, Heterocephalus glaber, and Its Relatives (Rodentia: Bathyergidae).

    DOI: http://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0167079
    Journal: PLoS One
    E-pub date: 1 Aug 2016
    Authors: MJ Mason, HL Cornwall, ESJ Smith