An expert has expressed concern over Russia developing a host of 'cyborg' creatures that can be controlled by a remote, with there being a potential risk of the spread of deadly disease.
Tech start-up Neiry Group is the mastermind behind the brainwashing techology, which has been developed to turn pigeons into 'bio-drones' and to 'apply biological carriers in situations where mechanical drones face range, weight, or other limitations'.
With electrodes implanted in the skull, a solar-panelled flight control pack placed on the back, and a camera strapped to the chest, the Russian firm claims it can manipulate the flight of birds, using a controller or pre-programmed flight paths.
These 'bio-drones' are seen to have multiple benefits over your traditional metal and propeller variety, thanks to their durability, incredible range, and ability to fly in restricted areas.
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And it doesn't stop at pigeons, as tests have also been carried out on cows and rats, with some fearing this is just the beginning.
Speaking to Bloomberg, Neiry Chief Executive Officer Alex Panov explained 'bio drones' could be utilised to 'inspect infrastructure or the environment, support search-and-rescue operations and conduct surveillance'.
Though Neiry has made it clear there are no plans to use pigeons for military purposes, saying: "We make every effort to ensure that our bio-drones are used exclusively for civilian purposes, with no concealed or secondary use."
Despite the claims, however, the development has led to some deep concerns in the west.
And given an investigation by Russian anti-war outlet T-Invariant, which found the company has reportedly received much of its nearly £10 million funding from various Kremlin-linked sources, it's unsurprising.
Russia also has form in this area, famously deploying trained dolphins in the Black Sea to guard its naval bases from attack, while Neiry has partnered with another firm, NeuroFarming, on a device implanted in cows' brains to alter milk production, and even sent neuro-altered rats into space.
But being able to directly control exactly where birds fly could have a huge impact on future warfare, as James Giordano, professor emeritus of neurology at Georgetown University, has warned.
Giordano shared his fears that birds could easily be infected with some kind of virus or disease and sent into enemy territory.
He said, per The Chosun Daily: “Such bio-drones could be used as carriers for biochemical weapons to spread diseases deep behind enemy lines."
Given that a nuclear war warning was just given after a treaty between the US and Russia came to an end, tensions are high across the world.
It doesn't stop at pigeons, either, as Panov has big plans to utilise an avian army for a host of human needs.
“Currently, the solution works with pigeons, but any bird could be used as a carrier,” he said, as quoted by The Telegraph. “To carry more payload, we plan to use ravens. For monitoring coastal facilities, seagulls, and for larger offshore areas, albatrosses.”
There are obvious ethical questions around the use of brainwashing technology, even before you get to the warfare capabilities
Nita Farahany, a bioethicist and law professor at Duke University, told Bloomberg: “Any time we’re using neural implants to try to control and puppeteer any species, it feels icky.
"[We shouldn't] Subjugate them and deploy them as if they’re products rather than living creatures.”
Topics: World News, Russia, Animals, Technology
Daniel Murphy