Fishy business as world's first cyborg 'born'

American scientists have created the first functioning cyborg.

Until the recent past people were using biological nervous systems to inspire technology. Now we have gone one step beyond to tap into the nervous system itself Researcher at Chicago's Northwestern University Mr Sandro Mussa-Ivaldi

The half-living half-robot machine links the brain of an eel-like fish to a Swiss robot and has been developed at Chicago's Northwestern University .

When it detects light the robot's electronic eyes send a signal to the brain. This then commands the robot's wheels to roll to the source.

When there is no light the robot does not move.

Researcher Mr Sandro Mussa-Ivaldi has told the Washington Post: "Until the recent past people were using biological nervous systems to inspire technology. Now we have gone one step beyond to tap into the nervous system itself."

Scientists can only keep the lamprey fish's brain alive in an oxygenated saline solution for a few days.

They hope their research will eventually lead to the development of brain-controlled prostheses for people suffering from Parkinson's, stroke victims and others suffering nerve damage-related disabilities.

PA