Shade Insect
Fighting the Next War With Insects and Sharks
There is a long history of the use of the Honey Bee in war. Roman catapults, with bee hives as projectiles, unleashed the fury of angry bees on an advancing enemy. Bee hives booby trapped to topple over with trip wires were used to the advantage of both sides during battles in World War I. In Vietnam, the Viet Cong often used sabotaged Apis dorsata nests against the American soldier.
In addition to honey bees, other animals have long provided military assistance in many ways. Elephants and horses have been used for locomotion in wars. Pigeons have been used to send secret, covert messages. Of course, dogs have always answered the call of military duty. In the last several decades, the Navy has even used trained dolphins and sea lions to patrol harbors and locate potential undersea mines. So, it should come as little surprise that the United States military is experimenting with other animals in an attempt to gain an advantage on the battlefield of the future.
In fact, the United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (Darpa) in Arlington, Virginia, is currently involved in a number of military research studies investigating the use of electronic implants to monitor or control the movement and behavior of animals. Their research objective, if successful, would result in remote controlled (cyborg) animal spies that would operate without detection on the surface of the Earth and even under the sea.
Darpa military research is currently exploring ways to use electronic stimulus to control shark behavior and movement. In fact, scientists at Boston University have already developed brain implants that can influence the movements of dogfish (members of the shark family) by "steering" them using a phantom odor.
The military objective of controlling the movement of sharks is outlined in the New Scientist Magazine as follows; "By remotely guiding sharks' movements, the military hopes to transform the animals into stealth spies, perhaps capable of following vessels without being spotted. The Pentagon hopes to exploit the ability of sharks to glide quietly through the water, sense delicate electrical gradients and follow chemical trails.”
In addition to funding research to create these cyborg sharks, Darpa has also awarded funding to research groups at the University of Michigan, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Boyce Thompson for the development of its '"HI-MEMS" program. This program's aim is to develop technology that provides more control over the locomotion of moths and horned beetles. Like the work with the sharks, the goal is to enlist these insects for the duty of animal cyborg spy.
The final demonstration goal of the HI-MEMS program is the controlled arrival of an insect within five meters of a specified target located one hundred meters from the insect's starting point. It must then remain stationary indefinitely, unless otherwise instructed. It must also be able to transmit data from Department of Defense sensors providing information about the local environment.
If this goal of the control over insect movement was achieved, insects with embedded micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) could run remotely controlled reconnaissance missions for the military. This could lead to insect swarms with various sorts of different embedded sensors such as video cameras, audio microphones, and chemical sniffers. These cyborg insects could then penetrate enemy territory to perform reconnaissance missions that would be to dangerous for human soldiers.
Of course, all of this animal cyborg research will require several more years of experimentation and study to determine the program’s military feasibility. In the meantime, British defense giant BAE Systems is creating a series of tiny electronic spiders, insects, and snakes that could become the eyes and ears of soldiers on today's battlefield. The first prototype of these robotic insect devices is expected before the end of this year.
The plan is for soldiers to carry the insect robots into combat and use a small tracked vehicle to transport them closer to their targets. Some of these robots will be fitted with small cameras, others will be equipped with sensors that will be able to detect the presence of chemical, biological, or radioactive weapons. Then they would be released to swarm into a building and relay images back to the soldiers' hand-held or wrist-mounted computers, warning them of any potential threats inside.
These BAE designed insect robots would be used until the cyborg insects are ready for the battlefield. There should be little doubt that the war of the future will integrate more advanced technology and that battlefield security will be a lot tougher to maintain. The United States military's intention is to fight the next war with a swarming army of animal cyborg spies .
Military research has led to many important applications in the private sector during the last several decades. Consider that it was military research funded by Darpa that led to the creation of the Internet. So, in the near future, to insure our personal privacy, we may want to remember to Pull Down the shade on that innocent looking moth sitting outside our window. It may well be a robotic or cyborg insect spy, fully equipped with a camera.
About the Author
James William Smith has worked in Senior management positions for some of the largest Financial Services firms in the United States for the last twenty five years. He has also provided business consulting support for insurance organizations and start up businesses. Visit his website at http://www.eWorldvu.com
Motorized Retractable Insect Screen installed by Best Motorized Shades
 |
 BROOCH 2 SHADES OF BLUE ENAMEL BUTTERFLY INSECT BUG PIN $2.97 Time Remaining: 26d 8h 23m Buy It Now for only: $2.97 Buy It Now |
 FOREST AND SHADE TREE ENTOMOLOGY by Robert F Anderson 1960 Insects Bugs Trees $9.95 Time Remaining: 6d 7h |
 Sunshine Kids SUN NET Sun Shade Insect Net BNIB $9.99 Time Remaining: 21d 10h 28m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now |
 Coghlans Mosquito Netting Canopy Bed Net Insect Bee White Mesh Shade Cover New $7.99 Time Remaining: 2d 52m Buy It Now for only: $7.99 Buy It Now |
 Girls Bug Shield Shirt Insect Blocker Omni Shade UPF Sun Outdoors New Ladies $29.50 Time Remaining: 2d 2h 43m Buy It Now for only: $29.50 Buy It Now |
 MINENE PUSHCHAIR INSECT SUN SHADE VISOR Pink Blue BNIB $14.99 Time Remaining: 14d 23h 10m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 Buy It Now |
 NEW Three Insects Enemies of Shade Trees 1899 Howar $10.29 Time Remaining: 6d 8h 54m Buy It Now for only: $10.29 Buy It Now |
 Rubber Stamp Shadow Butterfly Insect Flying Outline Detailed Monarch Large Shade $8.99 Time Remaining: 29d 23h 30m Buy It Now for only: $8.99 Buy It Now |
 NEW The More Important Insects Affecting Ohio Shade Tre $11.58 Time Remaining: 6d 8h 44m Buy It Now for only: $11.58 Buy It Now |
 1921 USDA Farmers Bulletin 1169 INSECTS Injurious To Deciduous Shade Trees $9.99 Time Remaining: 4d 7h 54m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now |
 USDA 1895 Shade Tree Insect Problem in Eastern US $4.95 Time Remaining: 4d 23h 23m Buy It Now for only: $4.95 Buy It Now |
 NEW Our Shade Trees and Their Insect Defoliators Rile $11.45 Time Remaining: 7d 16h 47m Buy It Now for only: $11.45 Buy It Now |
 NEW Insects Injurious to Deciduous Shade Trees and Thei $12.10 Time Remaining: 6d 17h 57m Buy It Now for only: $12.10 Buy It Now |
 NEW Insects Injurious to Shade Trees and Ornamental Pla $10.94 Time Remaining: 5d 20h 34m Buy It Now for only: $10.94 Buy It Now |
 Mesh Screen 30FTx54 Door Window Fence Light Gray New Insects Shade Phiferglass $55.00 Time Remaining: 10d 19m Buy It Now for only: $55.00 Buy It Now |
 1896 USDA Work Against Insects Defoliate Shade Trees $4.95 Time Remaining: 15d 31m Buy It Now for only: $4.95 Buy It Now |
 The More Important Insects Affecting Ohio Shade Trees $39.99 Time Remaining: 6d 3h 15m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 Buy It Now |
 90 UV proof full face trail rider shade fly mask insect and Sun protection gr8 $62.95 Time Remaining: 20d 20h 5m Buy It Now for only: $62.95 Buy It Now |
 Antique Print ANGLE SHADES MOTH BUTTERFLY Sepp 1762 $78.75 Time Remaining: 18d 15h 35m Buy It Now for only: $78.75 Buy It Now |
 The Leopard Moth and Other Insects Injurious to Shade T $21.48 Time Remaining: 18d 7h 26m Buy It Now for only: $21.48 Buy It Now |
 BOX OF 10 MILITARY ISSUE INSECT HEAD NETS ARMY GREEN SHADE 323 NEW WITH TAGS NWT $79.99 Time Remaining: 25d 19h 5m Buy It Now for only: $79.99 Buy It Now |
 Shade Trees Indigenous Shrubs and Vines Insects That $16.36 Time Remaining: 26d 3h 46m Buy It Now for only: $16.36 Buy It Now |
 Introduction to Forest and Shade Tree Insects by Author $55.00 Time Remaining: 18h 49m Buy It Now for only: $55.00 Buy It Now |
 DRAGONFLY SHADES OF GREEN BLUE ORIGINAL ART PAINTING $65.00 Time Remaining: 28d 22h 57m Buy It Now for only: $65.00 Buy It Now |
 Introduction to Forest and Shade Tree Insects List Price: See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThis comprehenisive text approaches the subject from an ecological/evolutionary biological perspective. The assumption is that one cannot study forest insects without understanding the dynamics of the relationship between an insect and its host plant...  |
 DC America GOS1805-BB Hexagon Gazebo Insect Screen, Polyester List Price: Sale Price: $81.16 You save: $17.83 (18%)  Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1 to 2 days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionDC America #GOS1805-BB, Hexagon Gazebo Insect Screen, Polyester. Continuing its tradition of fine quality products, D.C. America has expanded its furniture line to include a total array of truly elegant lawn and garden accessories... |
 Columbia Men's Bug Shield Shirt, White, XX-Large Sale Price: $80.00 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionEver wish you could raise a force field against nature's pesky little bugs and buzzers? Now you can. The Bug Shield long sleeve is a virtual trifecta of protective awesomeness. New Insect Blocker technology keeps six-legged pests at bay, Omni-Shade offers UPF 40 sun protection, and Omni-Wick advanced evaporation technology keeps you cool, dry, and collected - leaving you free to focus on the adventure at hand... |
 Phil and Ted's Sport Single Sun/Insect Mesh List Price: Sale Price: $25.99 You save: $13.96 (35%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionA mesh UV cover protects bright eyes from the bright sun. It also lets air in and keeps bugs out. Simply clip it on and a stroll in the park is a picnic. Provides 80% UV protection. |
 Columbia Men's Backcountry Convertible Pant, Fossil, X-Large-32 Sale Price: $85.00 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionVersatility is key when you’re bushwacking through the backcountry to get to that secret fishing hole. Durable nylon will keep your legs protected as you move through grass and brush. When you reach your destination, zip-off the legs to convert these rugged pants into hard-working, pocket-packed shorts perfect for standing in the river and staying cool in the sunshine... |
 NEW YORK WIRE 13207 INSECT SCREENING 48" X 25' Sale Price: $32.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description"OPAL" INSECT SCREENING 48" x 25' Charcoal Aluminum Screen Cloth 18 x 16 Mesh Strong and durable 18 x 16 mesh 0.011 diameter screening. Protective finish prevents corrosion, strengthens weave, and enhances appearance Resists rust and will not sag Used by contractors and do-it-yourselfers Ready rolls enough to cover 2 average size windows or 1 average size screen door Economy rolls enough to cover 6 average size windows or 3 average size screen doors, plus screening left over |
 Insect Daydream Sale Price: $0.89 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product |
 Valco Baby Insect Net/Sunshade For Tri-Mode Single Sale Price: $20.00 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionValco Baby remains at the forefront of the industry, with innovative and exciting new products being developed all the time. We look forward to welcoming you to the Valco Baby family and promise a comfortable and stylish transport that you and your baby will enjoy for years to come. |
 Spring Loaded Roll Up Bug Door With Pvc Coated Blue Vinyl Panels 8 X 8 Sale Price: $999.00 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 2-3 weeks See Reviews For This Product DescriptionScreen-Pro ROLL-UP BUG DOOR Insect Barrier Improves Employee Comfort And Productivity While Providing Air Circulation And Light Penetration. The Screen-Pro Roll-Up Bug Door is the perfect all-season warehouse and dock door... |
 Mulberry Rice Paper Handmade Grass and Insect Painting Design Art Shade Orange Lantern Brown Asian Oriental Decorative Bedside Bedroom Flower Mini Accent Unusual Table Light Lamp Sale Price: $54.00 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThis unique paper lantern depicts the 16th century masterpiece paintings of Sinsaimdang (1504-1551), an icon of womanly and motherly virtues in Korea. She was the mother of Yi Yul-gok, the illustrious Confucian scholar from the Joseon dynasty and a consummate artist who excelled especially at chochungdo (painting of grass and insects)... |
