Did you know? Cockroaches are pretty cool!
Cockroaches, sometimes known as roaches, are one of the oldest living insects. Cockroaches eat a wide variety of things such as paper, clothes, dead insects, etc.
You've probably heard that cockroaches can survive [[nuclear blasts::An explosion caused when atoms (the smallest unit of matter) are divided.]]. Well, this is not true. Cockroaches are very tough creatures and can withstand high levels of [[radiation::A form of energy released from atoms that can be very dangerous for humans and animals.]].
However, they cannot survive extreme heat (which blasts always produce).
Cockroaches are amazing creatures and recently, Japanese scientists have created [[cyborg::A creature that is part insect/human and part machine.]] cockroaches.
What is a cyborg cockroach?
Japanese scientists took Madagascar cockroaches (a type of cockroach) and created cyborgs! They turned regular cockroaches into cyborgs by attaching a tiny wireless control module to them.
This [[module::A separate part that can be assembled to form a gadget, machine, etc.]] is powered by a small battery pack that can be recharged using a solar cell.Attaching gadgets to such a little insect is not easy.
So, they used a specially designed backpack to attach the wireless leg-control module and batteries to the top of the insect's body. To protect the gadgets from falling off, an [[adhesive::A material that is used to stick things together.]] was used.
The cyborg cockroaches were tested after the gadgets were attached. Scientists were able to control their movement using the wireless remote control.
Awesome! How can cyborg cockroaches help?
The cyborg cockroaches can help in search and rescue missions. They can be sent into environments that are not fit for humans.
They also wouldn't need to return to be recharged because their batteries would be [[solar-powered::Using the energy of the sun rays to power something.]]. Rescue attempts would not be delayed as a result.
Cyborg cockroaches can be fitted with a microphone to catch sounds from any direction. This can help in rescue missions during earthquakes, building collapses, etc., as sound can help identify and locate survivors.
What are the disadvantages of cyborg cockroaches?
Cockroaches are little insects that can be stepped on by accident. This will also destroy the gadgets. The attached gadgets may also fall off. Also, it will be difficult to keep the cockroaches under control if the battery fails.
We hope that the scientists' technology improves with time and that cyborg cockroaches can be useful to humans. What do you think of cyborg cockroaches? In the future, would you be interested in owning a cyborg cockroach
Quick Revision
Cockroaches are ancient insects that can survive radiation but not nuclear heat.
Japanese scientists made cyborg cockroaches by attaching tiny solar-powered control devices to them.
They can be remotely controlled and used in rescue missions to find survivors.
They’re small, solar-powered, and useful in unsafe areas.
But they can be crushed easily or lose control if gadgets fail.
