China creates first cyborg bee with world’s lightest brain controller

Worker bees carry nectar sacks weighing 80 per cent of their body mass. When airborne, they tuck their hind legs like landing gear to cut wind drag.

And they can fly 5km (3 miles) with no need for rest, an example of how nature’s genius shames human machinery.

Until now.

At Beijing Institute of Technology, Professor Zhao Jieliang’s team has built the world’s lightest insect brain controller. At 74 milligrams, it is lighter than a sack of nectar.

Strapped to the bee’s back, the device pierces its brain with three needles. It creates illusions with electronic pulses to command flight: turn left, turn right, advance, retreat.

Nine out of 10 times, the bee obeyed.

  

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