jeff goldblum would be proud
by Brian Thomas
Published: April 18, 2008
Remember the good ol’ days when spies were dark, mysterious characters who possessed all the latest gadgets money could buy? Well, for all the James Bond wannabes out there who seek a lifestyle of adventure, it may soon be time to search the want ads for a new job due to a new technological development that seems to be straight out of a Tom Clancy or a Stephen King novel.
The latest advancements by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) have given us a new definition for the term “bugging.” According to recent reports, the agency has developed a way of implanting insects with electronic components which allow researchers to control the motor skills of these animals, ultimately taking the spying game to a whole new level.
The Hybrid Insect Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems project (HI-MEMS) uses certain probes attached to an animal’s nervous system and brain. This allows scientists to bypass the subject’s normal brainwave functions and implement their electronic messages, transforming the subjects into miniature military drones and cyborgs. The first of many successful attempts involved a “tobacco hawk moth pupae” which was inserted with flexible plastic components. The next phase of this project is to implant the technology into insect larva; in doing so scientists hope that the insects’ bodies will “naturally” incorporate the devices saving time and money.
But hold on, Little Miss Muffet, because a tuffet might not be the only place where you would have to keep your eyes open for these new 007’s. DARPA researchers have also tested the HI-MEMS technology on other animals as well. Sharks were some of the first “guinea pigs.” Researchers were able to successfully control a dogfish shark’s movements by transmitting phony orders to its brain causing the animal to react. One of the newest ideas has been to retrofit rats and pigeons with these components - they will also be outfitted with cameras and radio transmitters so that the cyborg’s control can send or receive transmissions.
Cyborg-paparazzi rats and pigeons? New Yorkers must love that idea. Although initial first reactions may differ, especially when evaluating the hundreds of privacy concerns technology like this creates, there are certain situations in which these developments could save lives. For instance, law enforcement officials could possibly use these animals in hostage situations or to gather intelligence on criminals. Also, these animals can reach places humans cannot in order to search for life. For example, think of the mining accidents that have occurred over recent years. HI-MEMS animals could be implemented in tunnels and collapsed caverns to search for survivors without the risk of causing more issues or further endangering human life.
The ACLU, known for their frivolous lawsuits in cases involving civil rights or intrusions, has surprisingly not come out against this technology in full force yet. In fact, little has been said by the union members regarding the possible privacy invasion issues that could arise. Only the Washington State ACLU Division has begun to start an investigatory commission surrounding the program, but nothing has come of their investigation. Other organizations like the American Empire Project and branches of PETA have exclaimed their contempt. Ron Paul has been the only member of Congress who has said anything about HI-MEMS in his blogs, but nothing substantial.
Of course there are always those skeptical of Big Brother and people who think they are being watched, those on and off medication. Whatever your reaction to this new technology is, just remember next time you see a fly sitting on your wall or a spider hiding in the corner you might want to think twice about what you are saying. It could be a harmless insect or it could be your boss trying to find out the real reason why you called out of work.
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April 18th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
Sweet! Not too scary, because who even thinks twice about smashing a spider? Now I’m only gonna smash’em a little more.