Scientists at Rice University in the United States have figured out how to hack the brains of fruit flies in order to make them remote-controlled. The team of neuroengineers were able to use magnetic signals to activate targeted neurons that control the body position and movement of the flies.

According to a study published in Nature Minerals, the team of researchers started by genetically engineering the flies so they expressed a certain heat-sensitive ion channel in some of their neurons. By injecting iron oxide nanoparticles into their brains to act as a heat trigger, the team was then able to use a magnetic field to heat up the particles and activate the neuron. [1]

Figure 1. Scientists in US Hack Fruit Flies Brains to Make Them Remote-Controlled

Figure 1 shows to achieve the feat, the research team brought together experts in genetic engineering, nanotechnology and electrical engineering. They began by genetically engineering the flies to express a certain heat-sensitive ion channel in their neurons.

By injecting iron oxide nanoparticles into their brains to act as a heat trigger, the researchers were able to use a magnetic field to heat up the particles and activate the neuron. [2]

The researchers identified a neuron that led the insects to expand their wings

To show this, the researchers identified a neuron that led the insects to expand their wings, a common mating action. They discovered that it could stimulate brain circuits 50 times quicker than previous technology.

According to the researchers, this finding represents the "holy grail" of neurotechnologies since the technology might be applied in anything from curing illnesses to establishing brain-machine interfaces.

"The scientific community is looking for instruments that are both very precise and minimally intrusive to research the brain or cure neurological problems," said Mr. Jacob Robinson, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at Rice University. [3]

To achieve the feat, the research team brought together experts in genetic engineering, nanotechnology and electrical engineering. They said that their direct goal is to use this kind of technology to restore some sight to patients with vision impairments. They explained that by stimulating the visual cortex, they might be able to essentially bypass the eyes. [4]

References:

1. https://gadgets360.com/science/news/scientists-in-us-hack-fruit-flies-brains-to-make-them-remote-controlled-3194703
2. https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/remote-control-fly-brain-hack-rice-b2127437.html
3. https://www.sinceindependence.com/tech/scientists-hack-fruit-flies-brains-to-make-them-remote-control
4. https://realtimeindia.in/scientists-in-us-hack-fruit-flies-brains-to-make-them-remote-controlled/

Cite this article:

Thanusri swetha J (2022), Scientists in US Hack Fruit Flies Brains to Make Them Remote-Controlled, AnaTechMaz, pp.58