A US scientist hacks fruit flies' brains to make them controllable through remote controls

In the United States, Rice University researchers have developed a method for remote-controlling fruit flies using their brains. Magnetic signals were used by the neuro engineers to activate cells that control flies' movement and position.  

Researchers first genetically engineered the flies so they expressed a certain heat-sensitive ion channel in some of their neurons, according to a study published in Nature Minerals.

A magnetic field was used to heat the iron oxide nanoparticles and activate the neurons by injecting them into their brains as a heat trigger. 

Scientists chose a specific neuron to demonstrate this by causing the insects to spread their wings - a gesture they often do when mating.

The researchers found that neural circuits were activated 50 times faster than with any other previous technology. 

Its potential for treating diseases and developing brain-machine interfaces makes this a 'holy grail' of neurotechnologies, researchers said.

Science is seeking tools that are both highly precise and minimally invasive for studying the brain and treating neurological disorders,' said Jacob Robinson, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at Rice University. 

A holy grail of neurotechnologies is the remote control of neural circuits through magnetic fields. As noted by the Independent, 'our work closes the gap between the speed of remote magnetic control and the natural speed of the brain by increasing its speed.'. 

Genetic engineering, nanotechnology, and electrical engineering experts came together to achieve the feat. The company's goal is to use this technology to restore some vision to patients with vision impairments. It is possible to bypass the eyes essentially by stimulating the visual cortex.