In a conception ostensibly pulled from dystopian science fiction, the Pentagon has teamed up with Raytheon to develop a system able to distributing genetically modified bacteria underground. For pristinely defensive functions, in fact.
Initiated by DARPA – the identical company that led applications to engender telekinetic tremendous troopers and weaponized robotic bugs – the challenge seeks to “program two bacterial strains to monitor ground surfaces for explosive materials,” bulwark contractor Raytheon verbalized in a joint press launch with the Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
The first of the 2 strains, kenned as a “bio-sensor,” will “detect the presence or absence of explosives buried underground,” whereas the second will engender a “glowing light” within the occasion such supplies are discovered. Remotely operated cameras or drones would then be despatched to survey the world to discover the glowing germs, and finally the buried explosives.
“We already know that some bacteria can be programmed to be very good at detecting explosives, but it’s harder underground,” stated Raytheon researcher Allison Taggart.
We’re investigating how to transport the reporting bacteria to the required depth underground.
While it’s suppositiously supposed to detect buried improvised explosive contrivances in peregrine warzones, Taggart didn’t obnubilate that the “modular design” of the bacteria-distribution system and swappable “components” inside will sanction for different functions “as needed.”
Though the Pentagon claims it solely plans to make the most of the system for “defensive” functions solely, some might discover the conception of militarized microbes off-putting – conjuring apocalyptic eventualities of a runaway genetically engineered superbug.