Spy moths controlled by chemicals

Insects could one day fly undercover missions for the US military, under the control of chemical-releasing microfluidic implants, US researchers say. Scientists at Cornell University in Ithaca used microfluidics to manipulate metabolism in moths, dictating when and for how long they could flap their wings. Combined with established electrical stimulation techniques which influence flapping and flight direction, the method could eventually enable scientists to gain complete control over insect flight and, perhaps, create spy bugs. The team, led by David Erickson, are the first to implant microfluidic chips into insects. The chips, each one as big as a moth's head, are filled with chemicals intended to paralyse the insects for short periods - so whilst older electrical techniques can be used to control wing motion, this new chemical method could work like an on-off switch for the insect. One of the most effective chemicals is the neurostransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a component of spider venom. A chip is implanted into the thorax - the "belly" - of the insect just before it transforms into an adult moth. When the moth matures two days later, the team filled the chip with chemicals, to 15 per cent of the insect's body weight. Applying an electric potential triggers release of the chemical into the moth's body - and rapid immobilisation. GABA can immobilise an insect within a minute and prevent it from flying for two hours...............

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