[hockeyfacekilla]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071117/...ts_and_roaches
what's your opinion. one part of me thinks that since it wasn't it's species it's ignore or reject it, the other part feels that it doesn't care if it's helping.

[fanattic]

i think it's insane some of the things scientists can come up with, and a shame that they don't put their brainpower to something more productive

[Mithra]

Originally Posted by fanattic

i think it's insane some of the things scientists can come up with, and a shame that they don't put their brainpower to something more productive

Such as?

[fanattic]

Originally Posted by Mithra

Such as?

how bout some sort of medical research? cockroach robots don't seem paramount to humanity

[muerteverde]

Originally Posted by fanattic

how bout some sort of medical research? cockroach robots don't seem paramount to humanity

People say the same thing about every new invention and are often wrong. Some had your same opinion when airplanes were first being devloped. It was just a novelty, what possible use could it have for the average person? They could not have imagined international jetliners flying people all over the world in just hours.

For the roach-bots, the first two applications that come to mind are space exploration and military uses. This type of robot--small, smart, independent, agile, hiving--is ideal for exploring other planets.

Aside from the whole robot part, this is a way to gain insight into cockroaches (zoology). This leads to a new understanding of their thinking and their social behavior. I don't consider knowing more about the world in which we live and other species to be a bad thing.

[fanattic]

Originally Posted by muerteverde

People say the same thing about every new invention and are often wrong. Some had your same opinion when airplanes were first being devloped. It was just a novelty, what possible use could it have for the average person? They could not have imagined international jetliners flying people all over the world in just hours.

For the roach-bots, the first two applications that come to mind are space exploration and military uses. This type of robot--small, smart, independent, agile, hiving--is ideal for exploring other planets.

Aside from the whole robot part, this is a way to gain insight into cockroaches (zoology). This leads to a new understanding of their thinking and their social behavior. I don't consider knowing more about the world in which we live and other species to be a bad thing.

well that's fine, but in my opinion finding ways to treat certain ailments/conditions/diseases would be more rewarding both for the scientists/doctors/researchers and those it would directly benefit.

for instance alzheimer's. my grandfather has it and it is heartbreaking to speak to the man.

[Mithra]

But what are mechanical engineers going to do with Alzheimers?

I understand your view that some things are more important, but the people responsible for these robots are not the same people who could be working on Alzheimers

Everyone has to do their part, the people working to cure it have to be able to get to work, eat, sleep etc..

[fanattic]

Originally Posted by Mithra

But what are mechanical engineers going to do with Alzheimers?

I understand your view that some things are more important, but the people responsible for these robots are not the same people who could be working on Alzheimers

Everyone has to do their part, the people working to cure it have to be able to get to work, eat, sleep etc..

i understand, i guess the point i was trying to make is that it would be nice if people with gifted minds could pool together their intellects to solve more directly humane issues; but i understand how selfish it seems to wish for intelligence and effort of others should be delegated against their will