Brain study employs cockroaches to act as bluetooth bugs

CYBORG cockroaches that can be controlled with a mobile phone are to go on show today.

The cockroaches, which have a backpack put on them which communicates with neurons in their antennae, will be displayed at the Technology, Entertainment and Design conference at the Edinburgh International Conference 
Centre.

Designed as a learning tool for children, the insect is knocked out to have 
removable wires and backpack plugged in. Its movement can be controlled by a bluetooth phone.

Creator Greg Gage said: “The point of the project is to create a tool to learn about how our brain works.”

Mr Gage said he was “pretty certain” it did not cause pain, but the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to 
Animals said it had concerns.

A spokesman said: “The RSPCA believes it is inappropriate to encourage children to dismantle insects.”