Reflection on Zombie Cyborg Beetles

This video, “starring” a cyborg beetle, is found in scienceblogs.com. (http://scienceblogs.com/thoughtfulanimal/2011/03/video_of_the_week_zombie_cybor.php) It is an experiment held by Michel Maharbiz who is an associate professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of California. The working principle is namely to implant insects with electrodes designed to stimulate their neurons as well as the nerve cells that enervate their muscles. Besides, the beetle is “functioned” via radio signals between the insect and a hacked Nintendo Wii remote.

First watching this approximately one minute video clip, I found it very interesting as the beetle acts as if a remote control aircraft. However, once I saw the following comment posted on Youtube, I soon ponder deeply on the issue of animal rights. “Sad to see insects being controlled out of their free, the insect is more or less in a dead state because it can’t use its brain anymore.”

I am just wondering what is the significant to turn animals/insects into a cyborg. And what on earth we, human race, can determine the living right of animals. It seems that we would like to expand our advanced technology to a frontier because human has already “played” enough. On one hand, technologies bring a new world where there are improvements around-the-clock convenient for us. On the other hand, it probably strangles the rights of the inferior, namely the animals. So, “Be or not to be (keep on developing new technologies)? There is a question,” this is worthwhile to have a further discussion to this topic. =)