Scientists are modifying jellyfish for use.
In the midst of unbridled economic development that shows no sign of stopping, scientists are increasingly attentive to the impacts of human activity on the environment. They collect a lot of data to try to understand it and slow it down. If certain natural environments are more easily accessible than others, experts are sometimes forced to develop strategies and tools to access these remote environments. The seas and oceans, and in particular the seabed, are among the most difficult to access areas. But they represent a valuable resource in understanding the environment. This is the reason that pushed the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) to develop new data collection technologies based on jellyfish.
As indicated in an article in Caltech, the project was led by Professor John Dabiri, specialized in aeronautics and mechanical engineering within the institute and consists of applying a technological device to jellyfish. This is to collect data from the seabed to measure the impact of climate change. The scientist’s idea is to implement speed-accelerating technologies in jellyfish.
Jellyfish are a subject Mr. Dabiri knows well. He is already the inventor of a flexible pump inspired by this animal and has even managed to create an artificial jellyfish with silicone and rat tissue, more precisely cardiac muscle tissue. The professor is also at the origin of a device similar to a cardiac pacemaker which allows the swimming speed of these bionic jellyfish to be multiplied by three.
The new project developed in partnership with the American University of Stanford aims to develop a device capable of collecting data such as water temperature, salinity and oxygen levels from the sea depths. The choice of the jellyfish as the basis for this project appeared obvious for its natural movement which takes place up and down from the depths of the oceans to the surface. The problem of the animal’s slowness has already been solved with the “cardiac pacemaker” which made it possible to increase the swimming speed by approximately 2 to 6 centimeters per second.
A notable improvement but not enough for scientists. With one of his students, Simon Anuszczyk, Mr. Dabiri developed a prosthesis to be placed on the jellyfish’s hat, making it more efficient and creating a space to store sensors and other tools. This prosthesis was made by 3D printing in a naturally buoyant material which therefore does not bother the animal. Tests carried out in laboratory aquariums have shown that the assembly of the two devices allows jellyfish to swim 4.5 times faster. The research group also noted that the total cost of this device is $20 per jellyfish, which may therefore be more attractive than a research vessel that can cost up to $50,000 per day.