Lift-off! Genetically-modified CYBORG dragonflies complete flight tests in a step towards spying missions that will see the tiny insects reach areas that other drones can't
quote:
A genetically modified cyborg dragonfly that can spy on anyone has successfully completed it first test flight.
Dubbed the DragonflEye, the half-insect, half-machine is fitted with a fingernail-sized backpack, powered by a solar panel and remotely controlled by an operator.
The dragonfly can be used for 'guided pollination' as well as surveillance missions that will see the tiny insects reach areas that other drones can't, according to researchers.
quote:
Mr Wheeler said: 'In order to begin guidance of dragonflies, several key technologies needed to be developed.
'Howard Hughes Medical Institute focused on developing gene delivery methods specific to the dragonfly to make special 'steering' neurons sensitive to light.
'Draper developed a miniaturized backpack for autonomous navigation and a flexible optrode to control the modified neurons by guiding light around the dragonfly's tiny nerve cord.
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