--- >The Telegraph >6/8/2000 > >Lamprey is brains behind 'robofish' >By David Derbyshire, Science Correspondent > >IT may bear little resemblance to Arnold Schwarzenegger's Terminator >but, according to its inventors, a newly created part-fish, part-machine >is one of the world's most advanced cyborgs. > >The creature has a mechanical body fitted with wheels, motors, circuit >boards and light sensors but is controlled by the brain of a sea >lamprey. Although the robot contains only a few nerve cells from the >eel-like fish, it has learned to follow or avoid lights. Robotics >experts are convinced that it marks an important step towards a new type >of biological robot. > >The research could pave the way for artificial limbs or other body parts >connected to the user's brain. The fish-robot is the creation of a team >led by Dr Ferdinando Mussa-Ivaldi, from Northwestern University in >Chicago. They removed the brain stem and part of the spinal cord from a >primitive salt water fish under general anaesthetic and kept it alive in >a cold, salty solution, New Scientist reports today. > >The team then isolated a group of large nerve cells called Muller cells. >These help lampreys to orientate themselves in water. Electrodes >attached to the neurons allowed them to be stimulated with frequencies >they would normally receive in the fish's body. > >When lights were flashed at the robot, the lamprey brain cells learned >how to control the motors. The cyborg was able to follow and dodge a >moving light source and move in a circle. > >Researchers were confident that there could be medical benefits. Dr >Mussa-Ivaldi said: "We will be able to build better prosthetic limbs for >disabled people." Until now, the fish's biggest claim to fame was Henry >I who was killed by a surfeit of lampreys in 1135. > >-- <A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/">www.ctrl.org</A> DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are unwelcomed. Substance�not soap-boxing�please! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'�with its many half-truths, mis- directions and outright frauds�is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRLgives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html <A HREF="http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html">Archives of [EMAIL PROTECTED]</A> http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ <A HREF="http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/">ctrl</A> ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
