**Russian Startup Hacks Pigeon Brains, Turns Them Into Living Drones**
In a remarkable and slightly unsettling innovation, a Russian startup has successfully "hacked" pigeon brains, transforming them into biological drones capable of carrying out complex tasks. Neiry, the company behind this groundbreaking technology, claims to have completed test flights of pigeons fitted with neural implants that deliver mild stimulation to specific parts of their brain, prompting them to follow pre-determined flight paths.
**The "Bio-Drones" in Action**
According to Neiry's statement, the interface between the pigeon's brain and the implant allows the bird to "otherwise behave naturally," while being guided towards specific targets. During the test flights, the pigeons carried a small controller, solar panels, and a camera for users, enabling the company to assess the effectiveness of their so-called "bio-drones" in collecting data.
To insert these tiny electrodes into the pigeon's brain, Neiry technicians employ a minimally invasive surgery that poses little risk to the bird's survivability. This innovative approach allows the pigeons to fly up to 300 miles (483 kilometers) per day without needing recharging, making them efficient vessels for surveillance, inspecting infrastructure or the environment, and supporting search-and-rescue operations.
**The Potential Benefits of "Bio-Drones"**
Neiry CEO Alexander Panov envisions a future where this technology is applied to various species for specialized tasks. He points out that pigeons, as naturally skilled fliers, may outperform mechanical drones in navigating complex terrains, accessing small spaces, and withstanding harsh weather conditions.
"This makes the 'bio-drones' efficient vessels for surveillance, inspecting infrastructure or the environment, and supporting search-and-rescue operations," Panov told Bloomberg. "We believe that our technology has the potential to revolutionize various industries, from utilities to logistics and agriculture."
**Ethical Concerns and Government Involvement**
However, not everyone is convinced by Neiry's claims of benign intentions. Bioethicist Nita Farahany at Duke University expressed concerns about using neural implants to control animals: "Any time we're using neural implants to try to control and puppeteer any species, it feels icky." She added that the company's involvement with government-related investors raises further questions about their commitment to civilian use.
Neiry has responded by stating that they make "every effort to ensure that our bio-drones are used exclusively for civilian purposes, with no concealed or secondary use." However, this assertion remains to be independently verified.
**The Future of "Bio-Drones"**
As Neiry presses ahead with their project, it is clear that the company intends to proceed with commercializing the technology. But will they address the ethical concerns raised by experts and stakeholders? Only time will tell how or whether the company plans to mitigate these issues as they expand into international markets.
With its innovative approach to "hacking" pigeon brains, Neiry has opened up new possibilities for biological drones. While the implications of this technology are far-reaching, it is crucial that we weigh the benefits against the potential risks and ensure that animals are treated with respect and care in all applications.
**Sources:**
* Neiry press release * Bloomberg interview with Alexander Panov * The Telegraph statement from a Neiry spokesperson