Russian Start-Up Hacks Pigeon Brains to Create 'Living Drones'
In a groundbreaking yet unsettling development, a Russian start-up firm called Neiry has successfully implemented neural implants in pigeons to turn them into biological drones. The technology involves delivering "mild stimulation" to specific areas of the pigeon's brain, causing it to fly along predetermined routes - much like standard drones follow pre-programmed flight tasks.
The process is surprisingly straightforward, involving the insertion of tiny electrodes through the pigeons' skulls and connecting them to a stimulator mounted on their heads. The company claims that this procedure poses minimal risk to the birds' survivability, allowing the drones to be deployed almost immediately after surgery.
These so-called "bio-drones" are likely to revolutionize surveillance, infrastructure inspection, environmental monitoring, and search-and-rescue operations. Pigeons, being naturally skilled fliers, may outperform mechanical drones in navigating complex terrain, accessing small spaces, and withstanding harsh weather conditions. Moreover, birds can fly for up to 300 miles without needing battery recharging, making them efficient vessels.
However, the ethics of such an endeavor are a topic of debate among experts. Bioethicist Nita Farahany at Duke University expressed concerns about the use of neural implants to control and manipulate species, stating that it "feels icky." The company maintains that its technology is restricted to civilian purposes with no concealed or secondary use.
Despite these reservations, Neiry seems committed to pursuing this project. Alexander Panov, CEO of the start-up, envisions a future where this technology can be applied to various species for specialized tasks. However, should the firm decide to sell its services internationally, it will likely face scrutiny from stakeholders and critics alike.
As the use of biologically engineered drones gains traction, it remains to be seen whether companies like Neiry will prioritize responsible innovation or succumb to the lure of profit-driven ambitions.
In a groundbreaking yet unsettling development, a Russian start-up firm called Neiry has successfully implemented neural implants in pigeons to turn them into biological drones. The technology involves delivering "mild stimulation" to specific areas of the pigeon's brain, causing it to fly along predetermined routes - much like standard drones follow pre-programmed flight tasks.
The process is surprisingly straightforward, involving the insertion of tiny electrodes through the pigeons' skulls and connecting them to a stimulator mounted on their heads. The company claims that this procedure poses minimal risk to the birds' survivability, allowing the drones to be deployed almost immediately after surgery.
These so-called "bio-drones" are likely to revolutionize surveillance, infrastructure inspection, environmental monitoring, and search-and-rescue operations. Pigeons, being naturally skilled fliers, may outperform mechanical drones in navigating complex terrain, accessing small spaces, and withstanding harsh weather conditions. Moreover, birds can fly for up to 300 miles without needing battery recharging, making them efficient vessels.
However, the ethics of such an endeavor are a topic of debate among experts. Bioethicist Nita Farahany at Duke University expressed concerns about the use of neural implants to control and manipulate species, stating that it "feels icky." The company maintains that its technology is restricted to civilian purposes with no concealed or secondary use.
Despite these reservations, Neiry seems committed to pursuing this project. Alexander Panov, CEO of the start-up, envisions a future where this technology can be applied to various species for specialized tasks. However, should the firm decide to sell its services internationally, it will likely face scrutiny from stakeholders and critics alike.
As the use of biologically engineered drones gains traction, it remains to be seen whether companies like Neiry will prioritize responsible innovation or succumb to the lure of profit-driven ambitions.
This is just crazy! who needs drones when we already have pigeons doing all that work? I mean, 300 miles without battery recharge? 
That's wild! But at the same time, a bit unsettling... think about it, we're basically controlling their minds now. What's next? Controlling people's minds too? 
It's like something out of a sci-fi movie or a bad conspiracy theory 
.
Or is it that hard to come up with better ways to monitor the environment and stuff? I don't know, man... I'm just not sure if I'm cool with this whole pigeon-drones thing 
.
However, I do have some concerns about the ethics of this tech... like, what happens when these "bio-drones" start getting used for military or other malicious purposes? 
. On one hand, using birds for surveillance and search-and-rescue ops could be a game-changer, but on the other hand, we gotta consider the implications of controlling living creatures like this. It's just too sci-fi to me. And what about when these drones get old or injured? Are they gonna be left behind or...or worse? 
.
But on the other hand, it feels like we're playing God with living creatures. What's our responsibility here? Should companies just keep pushing innovation without considering the ethics? 
...
. what if these birds start acting weird or can't fly on their own? 
. they're already pretty good at flying around and finding things, right? 
but then again, we gotta consider the long-term effects of messing with their brains... 
. maybe they'll figure out a way to make it safe and humane for the birds 
. but if not, at least we'll know where the limits are 
. Just please don’t try to sell this tech to the highest bidder without considering the ethics, 'kay? 
i feel like there should be some kinda regulation on this kind of thing, but at the same time, it's pretty cool that scientists found a way to control pigeons' flight. maybe they could use them for search-and-rescue missions or something? just gotta make sure we're not exploiting them for profit 