Chinese scientists develop the lightest insect-control system
A team of scientists from the Beijing Institute of Technology has achieved a significant breakthrough in the field of bionics, developing the world's lightest controller for insect brains. Weighing a mere 74 milligrams, this miniature device is smaller than a nectar sac carried by bees and is equivalent to approximately 80% of their own body weight, which these industrious insects are capable of lifting during flight.
Inspired by the natural efficiency of bees, which can tuck their legs to reduce air resistance, Chinese researchers have created a system that enables the control of insect flight direction. The controller is affixed to the bee's back using miniature straps, while needles implanted directly into the brain transmit electronic impulses. These impulses guide the bee, compelling it to fly in a predetermined direction.
Test results have been impressive, with bees executing commands in 90% of trials, demonstrating the high potential of this technology. The scientists envision vast prospects for the application of controlled bee swarms. In their view, these bionic insects could conduct reconnaissance in inaccessible areas that are difficult or dangerous for humans to reach, and also provide indispensable assistance in disaster relief operations. This discovery opens a new chapter in the utilization of bionic systems for addressing complex challenges in the modern world.
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