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If an earthquake strikes in the not too distant future and survivors are trapped under tonnes of rubble, the first responders to locate them could be swarms of cyborg cockroaches.

That’s a potential application of a recent breakthrough by Japanese researchers who demonstrated the ability to mount “backpacks” of solar cells and electronics on the bugs and control their motion by remote control.

Kenjiro Fukuda and his team at the Thin-Film Device Laboratory at Japanese research giant Riken developed a flexible solar cell film that’s 4 microns thick, about 1/25 the width of a human hair, and can fit on the insect’s abdomen.

The film allows the roach to move freely while the solar cell generates enough power to process and send directional signals into sensory organs on the bug’s hindquarters.

The work builds upon previous insect-control experiments at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and could one day result in cyborg insects that can enter hazardous areas much more efficiently than robots.

“The batteries inside small robots run out quickly, so the time for exploration becomes shorter,” Fukuda said. “A key benefit (of a cyborg insect) is that when it comes to an insect’s movements, the insect is causing itself to move, so the electricity required is nowhere near as much.”

Fukuda and his team chose Madagascar hissing cockroaches for the experiments because they are big enough to carry the equipment and have no wings that would get in the way. Even when the backpack and film are glued to their backs, the bugs can traverse small obstacles or right themselves when flipped over.

The research still has a long way to go. In a recent demonstration, Riken researcher Yujiro Kakei used a specialized computer and wireless Bluetooth signal to tell the cyborg roach to turn left, causing it to scramble in that general direction. But when given the “right” signal, the bug turned in circles.

The next challenge is miniaturising the components so that the insects can move more easily and to allow for mounting of sensors and even cameras. Kakei said he constructed the cyborg backpack with JPY 5,000 (roughly Rs. 2,700) worth of parts purchased at Tokyo’s famed Akihabara electronics district.

The backpack and film can be removed, allowing the roaches to go back to life in the lab’s terrarium. The insects mature in four months and have been known to live up to five years in captivity.

Beyond disaster rescue bugs, Fukuda sees broad applications for the solar cell film, composed of microscopic layers of plastic, silver, and gold. The film could be built into clothing or skin patches for use in monitoring vital signs.

On a sunny day, a parasol covered with the material could generate enough electricity to charge a mobile phone, he said.

© Thomson Reuters 2022

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Solar System’s Journey Through Orion Complex May Have Altered Earth’s Climate

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March 3, 2025

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Solar System’s Journey Through Orion Complex May Have Altered Earth’s Climate

The movement of the solar system through the Orion star-forming complex around 14 million years ago may have influenced Earth’s climate, according to scientists. This dense region of space, part of the Radcliffe Wave galactic structure, could have compressed the heliosphere—the protective shield surrounding the solar system—while increasing interstellar dust reaching Earth. Researchers suggest that this influx of cosmic dust might have left traces in geological records, potentially linking galactic activity to past climate changes.

Solar System’s Passage Through the Radcliffe Wave

According to the study published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, an international research team led by the University of Vienna used data from the European Space Agency’s Gaia mission and spectroscopic observations to determine that the solar system moved through the Radcliffe Wave in the Orion constellation between 18.2 and 11.5 million years ago. The most probable period was estimated between 14.8 and 12.4 million years ago. João Alves, Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Vienna and co-author of the study, stated to Phys.org, that this research builds on prior findings regarding the Radcliffe Wave. This structure, made up of interconnected star-forming regions, includes the Orion complex, which the sun is believed to have passed through.

Potential Impact on Earth’s Climate

The study suggests that the increased presence of interstellar dust may have influenced Earth’s atmosphere. Efrem Maconi, lead author and doctoral student at the University of Vienna, said that this dust might have contained traces of radioactive elements from supernovae, which could be detected in geological records using advanced technology in the future.

The solar system’s passage aligns with the Middle Miocene Climate Transition, a period marked by a shift from a warmer, variable climate to a cooler one, leading to the development of Antarctic ice sheets. Scientists highlight that while interstellar dust could have played a role, the dominant factor in this climate change was a long-term decrease in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.

Not Comparable to Human-Induced Climate Change

Maconi noted that while interstellar dust could have contributed to past climate shifts, the amount required for significant change would need to be much greater than current data suggests. The Middle Miocene Climate Transition unfolded over hundreds of thousands of years, unlike modern climate change, which is occurring rapidly due to human activities

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Ancient DNA Sheds Light on the Diverse Genetic Origins of the European Huns

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March 3, 2025

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Ancient DNA Sheds Light on the Diverse Genetic Origins of the European Huns

The origins of the Huns, a nomadic group that played a crucial role in the decline of the Roman Empire, have long remained uncertain. Recent DNA analysis of ancient skeletal remains has provided fresh insights into their ancestry, revealing a diverse genetic makeup rather than a singular point of origin. According to reports, researchers examined remains from individuals buried between the fourth and sixth centuries and found genetic links spanning Central Asia and Eastern Europe. These findings indicate that the Huns were not a homogenous group but a population shaped by centuries of migration and cultural interactions.

Genetic Analysis Reveals Diverse Ancestry

According to the study published in PNAS, a team led by Guido Gnecchi-Ruscone, an archaeogeneticist at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, analysed the genomes of 370 individuals. The research aimed to trace connections between European Huns and earlier nomadic groups, including the Xiongnu, whose empire thrived in Mongolia between 200 B.C. and A.D. 100. While certain Hun individuals exhibited direct genetic links to the Xiongnu elite, most carried varying degrees of Northeast Asian ancestry, underscoring a complex history of intermingling.

Connections Across the Eurasian Steppe

Using a technique called identity by descent (IBD) segment sharing, the researchers identified genetic ties across multiple regions over several centuries. Their findings suggested that trans-Eurasian relationships were maintained across generations. While high-status Xiongnu burials in Mongolia showed direct descendants among the European Huns, the study concluded that no large-scale migration of Xiongnu populations into Europe took place.

Insights from an Elite Hun Burial

A burial site in Pusztataskony, Hungary, yielded the remains of a Hun woman with an elongated skull, buried alongside gold earrings. Gnecchi-Ruscone told Live Science that this individual carried genetic markers linking her to the Xiongnu elite, suggesting that skull modification, a notable cultural practice, may have been passed down through generations. The study reinforces the view that the European Huns were a culturally and genetically diverse group shaped by centuries of movement and integration rather than a single migratory event.

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NASA’s IM-2 Mission Brings Ice Mining, Mobile Robots, and More on Moon



Nothing Phone 3a Design Revealed Ahead of March 4 Launch: Expected Specifications

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NASA’s IM-2 Mission Brings Ice Mining, Mobile Robots, and More on Moon

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March 3, 2025

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NASA’s IM-2 Mission Brings Ice Mining, Mobile Robots, and More on Moon

NASA is preparing to send advanced technologies to the Moon through Intuitive Machines’ second lunar delivery under the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative. The mission, part of the Artemis programme, aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon. A range of scientific instruments and communication systems will be tested on the lunar surface. The launch window for Intuitive Machines’ second CLPS mission, IM-2, is scheduled to open on 26 February from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. The Nova-C class lander will carry key technology payloads, including a drill, mass spectrometer, a cellular network, and a drone for terrain exploration.

Lunar South Pole Exploration

As reported, the landing site for IM-2 has been selected based on data from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. Located in the South Pole region, the site offers a relatively flat terrain, meeting the criteria for a safe landing. The area is of particular interest due to its potential for in-situ resource utilisation, which could support future lunar missions.

Demonstration of New Technologies

According to NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, the Polar Resources Ice Mining Experiment-1 (PRIME-1) will be tested as part of the mission. PRIME-1 includes a drill and a mass spectrometer designed to search for water ice and other resources beneath the lunar surface. Data gathered from this experiment will assist in future space exploration efforts by providing insight into potential resource extraction for fuel and oxygen production.

Mobile Robotics on the Moon

Two technology demonstrations will be deployed near the lander under NASA’s Tipping Point initiative. Intuitive Machines has developed a small drone, named Grace, which will conduct high-resolution surveys of the lunar terrain. The drone is designed to navigate steep inclines, craters, and other challenging obstacles, helping scientists study permanently shadowed regions that cannot be accessed by traditional rovers.

Lunar Surface Communication System

A communication system developed by Nokia Bell Labs will be tested to establish a lunar cellular network. The system will enable communication between the lander, a Lunar Outpost rover, and the Grace drone. It will be the first demonstration of cellular-based connectivity on the Moon, with potential applications for future crewed missions and robotic exploration.

Collaboration for Lunar Exploration

NASA is working alongside several U.S. companies to deliver scientific and technological advancements to the lunar surface. The Space Technology Mission Directorate has integrated multiple research and development efforts to support future Moon missions. The combination of CLPS and Tipping Point initiatives aims to advance exploration capabilities, benefiting NASA and the broader space industry.

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