{
  "id": 9287690,
  "title": "DARPA Was Building Cyborg Moths in 2009. Somehow This Is Relevant to My Fruit Fly Experiment.",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/darpa-was-building-cyborg-moths-in-2009-somehow-this-is-relevant-to",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-23T06:08:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dev.to",
    "slug": "dev-to",
    "url": "https://dev.to/constant_itis/darpa-was-building-cyborg-moths-in-2009-somehow-this-is-relevant-to-my-fruit-fly-experiment-5dmj"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In 2009, researchers made headlines by successfully implanting electronics into Manduca sexta, the tobacco hawkmoth, during the pupal stage. This groundbreaking work, published in the paper \"Insect–Machine Interface Based Neurocybernetics,\" was funded by DARPA's Hybrid Insect Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems program, HI-MEMS. The researchers inserted flexible microfabricated electrodes into the moths while they were still developing into adults, allowing the insects' tissues to form around the implanted probes.\n\nAs the moths continued to develop, their bodies grew through 200-micrometer holes in the probe tips, creating a biological anchor that held the electronics in place without the need for glue. The cuticle of the insect healed around the insertion points, resulting in a seamless integration of the electronic components with the living organism. In the end, 90% of the moths emerged as adults with fully inflated wings, and 98% of the implants were placed successfully in the intended flight muscles.\n\nThe researchers were able to record muscle activity and stimulate the muscles, which allowed them to control the moths' wing movements. By stimulating one flight muscle, they could pull a wing downward, while stimulating another muscle pulled the wing upward. Stimulation of both muscles at a high frequency could even stop the wing flapping altogether. Additionally, stimulating one side of a naturally flying moth produced a yaw toward the stimulated side.\n\nWhile the remote-control aspect of the experiment garnered attention, the truly innovative aspect was the use of development as part of the manufacturing process. Normally, implanting electronics into a fully developed animal would be a challenging task, as the tissue would already be in place and the exoskeleton would be hardened. However, by implanting the electronics during metamorphosis, the researchers allowed the insect to develop around the implanted probes, creating a natural and seamless interface between the biological organism and the electronic components.\n\nThis approach, called Early Metamorphosis Insertion Technology (EMIT), is a prime example of how biology can be utilized as a manufacturing process. By allowing the organism to grow and develop around the electronic components, the researchers were able to create a more efficient and effective integration of technology with biology. The use of holes in the probe tips for the moths' flight muscles to grow through further improved anchoring and integration.\n\nInterestingly, the researchers avoided using adhesive to seal the surgical opening after implantation, as this could potentially hinder the insect's emergence. Instead, they allowed the insect's own cuticle to heal around the implanted probes, resulting in a natural and seamless integration of the electronic components with the living organism.\n\nWhile the remote-control capabilities of the moths demonstrated in this experiment are certainly impressive, it is important to note that the primary achievement of this research was the innovative technique of implanting electronics during metamorphosis. This method allowed for a more seamless integration of technology with biology, creating a truly unique and groundbreaking approach to engineering.",
  "summary": "I have been spending an unreasonable amount of time asking what happens when you give an insect brain something biology never gave it: persistent external memory. Then I came across a paper from 2009. And for approximately five minutes my reaction was: well, screw everything I'm doing, DARPA already turned insects into computers. That isn't actually what happened. But what they did do is weird…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}