Cicadas Hijacked by Fungi Turn Into Nature’s Loudspeakers

Quick Summary:

• Researchers from the University of Tsukuba, Japan, have turned cicadas into cyborg loudspeakers capable of playing music like Pachelbel’s Canon and the Top Gun theme.
• Inspired by earlier experiments with remote-controlled cockroaches using electrodes, the team experimented on large brown cicadas (Graptopsaltria nigrofuscata) to control their timbals-organs responsible for their chirping sounds.
• Electrodes were implanted into seven cicadas, with signals from a computer used to induce controlled noises at specific pitches over more than three octaves (27.5 hertz to 261.6 hertz).
• The experiment allowed precise reproduction of musical tones using the insects while reportedly leaving them relatively unharmed; some were released back into the wild afterward.
• The researchers suggest that cyborg insects could help spread warning messages during emergencies like earthquakes due to increased energy efficiency and versatility compared to electronic robots.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

This research showcases an intersection of science, technology, and biology that could have practical applications. While turning cicadas into musical devices may sound unconventional or concerning ethically, its potential utility in emergency response scenarios merits exploration. Deploying such lightweight biological systems instead of energy-intensive electronic devices may prove lasting in resource-scarce conditions experienced during natural disasters or crises.

However,as India embraces advancements in robotics and bioengineering for precision tasks (e.g.,disaster management),this study sparks discussions on ethical considerations regarding experimentation on living organisms. Striking a balance between innovation and animal welfare will be critical for ensuring socially acceptable utilization of emerging technologies within Indian scientific endeavors.