Matter


December 19, 2007: 6:31 pm: Ad AstraCorrespondence, Forces, Matter

A warning to anyone who uses “smartphones”

http://spymobile.in/index.html

There is a similar problem with iphones - via the metasploit hack

And - of course - all cellphone users should be aware of the facilities offered by the numerous UK companies that offer passive location services eg: MobileLocate

Bottom Line: Your mobile phone can spy on you and your conversations (online or just in the same room).  It can tell someone where you are - even take photos without your knowledge or permission

December 18, 2007: 3:50 pm: Ad AstraCorrespondence, Forces, Life, Matter

cyborg_bugs_203gif.pngThe US agency DARPA has been researching techniques for “augmenting” insects for nearly 2 years

see here for the official tender - specifying the desired capabilities

“the delivery of an insect within five meters of a specific target located at hundred meters away, using electronic remote control, and/or global positioning system”.

Once at the target, DARPA says, “the insect must remain stationary either indefinitely or until otherwise instructed … [and] must also be able to transmit data from [Department of Defense] relevant sensors … include[ing] gas sensors, microphones, video, etc.”
Gizmodo has pictures of a cyborg moth here

The implantation technique involves inserting the relevant microchips into the pupa of the insect - which has the capability to grow ‘around’ foreign objects

This machine/insect combination avoids many of the problems involved with micro UAV (Unmanned Air Vehicle) design. It simply uses an existing (and highly efficient) framework to transport a sensor payload.

There has been speculation about weaponizing the design - perhaps with ‘tailored’ viruses.