PmWiki.Insects History
Hide minor edits - Show changes to markup
Insects might do useful work and produce useful byproducts. Harvesting power from insect motion using piezoelectric devices has been demonstrated.1 (The piezoelectric devices might themselves be biologically derived.2) Producing silk on orbit might be possible: Abandoned cocoons, if matted and soaked, then frozen, could form a strong and renewable ice-composite shield against orbital debris strikes.3,4 "Cyborg insects" have been controlled by direct muscle stimulation and optical input.5,6
Insects might do useful work and produce useful byproducts. Harvesting power from insect motion using piezoelectric devices has been demonstrated.7 (The piezoelectric devices might themselves be biologically derived.8,9) Producing silk on orbit might be possible: Abandoned cocoons, if matted and soaked, then frozen, could form a strong and renewable ice-composite shield against orbital debris strikes.10,11 "Cyborg insects" have been controlled by direct muscle stimulation and optical input.12,13
The first naked-eye-visible animals in exovivaria will almost certainly be insects. This may limit the appeal of early exovivaria -- most insects are not what's been called "charismatic megafauna", i.e., animals that naturally evoke wonder, admiration and respect.
The first naked-eye-visible animals in exovivaria will almost certainly be insects. This may limit the appeal of early exovivaria -- insects hardly qualify as "charismatic megafauna", i.e., animals that naturally evoke wonder, admiration and respect.
Bioplastics (possibly electroactive, yielding biomimetic muscles for telebots and power-generation components),14,15 dyes (e.g., carmine and sealants might be derived from scale insects living parasitically on plants that have other uses in the exovivarial ecosystem.
Insects might do useful work and produce useful byproducts. Harvesting power from insect motion using piezoelectric devices has been demonstrated.18 (The piezoelectric devices might themselves be biologically derived.19 Producing silk on orbit might be possible: Abandoned cocoons, if matted and soaked, then frozen, could form a strong and renewable ice-composite shield against orbital debris strikes.20,21 "Cyborg insects" have been controlled by direct muscle stimulation and optical input.22,23
Insects might do useful work and produce useful byproducts. Harvesting power from insect motion using piezoelectric devices has been demonstrated.24 (The piezoelectric devices might themselves be biologically derived.25) Producing silk on orbit might be possible: Abandoned cocoons, if matted and soaked, then frozen, could form a strong and renewable ice-composite shield against orbital debris strikes.26,27 "Cyborg insects" have been controlled by direct muscle stimulation and optical input.28,29
Insects might do useful work and produce useful byproducts. Harvesting power from insect motion using piezoelectric devices has been demonstrated.30 Producing silk on orbit might be possible: Abandoned cocoons, if matted and soaked, then frozen, could form a strong and renewable ice-composite shield against orbital debris strikes.31,32 "Cyborg insects" have been controlled by direct muscle stimulation and optical input.33,34
Insects might do useful work and produce useful byproducts. Harvesting power from insect motion using piezoelectric devices has been demonstrated.35 (The piezoelectric devices might themselves be biologically derived.36 Producing silk on orbit might be possible: Abandoned cocoons, if matted and soaked, then frozen, could form a strong and renewable ice-composite shield against orbital debris strikes.37,38 "Cyborg insects" have been controlled by direct muscle stimulation and optical input.39,40
The first naked-eye-visible animals in exovivaria will almost certainly be insects. This may limit the appeal of early exovivaria -- they are not what's been called "charismatic megafauna", i.e., the kinds of animals that naturally evoke admiration. On a more practical level, insects can be a problem in trying to balance artificial closed ecosystems, as the experience of Biosphere 2 showed: ants and cockroaches proliferated and overproduced CO2.41
The first naked-eye-visible animals in exovivaria will almost certainly be insects. This may limit the appeal of early exovivaria -- most insects are not what's been called "charismatic megafauna", i.e., animals that naturally evoke wonder, admiration and respect.
On a more practical level, insects can be a problem in trying to balance artificial closed ecosystems, as the experience of Biosphere 2 showed: ants and cockroaches proliferated and overproduced CO2.42
The first naked-eye-visible animals in exovivaria will almost certainly be insects. This may limit the appeal of early exovivaria -- they are not what's been called "charismatic megafauna", i.e., the kinds of animals that naturally evoke admiration. On a more practical level, Insects can be a problem in trying to balance artificial closed ecosystems, as the experience of Biosphere 2 showed: ants and cockroaches proliferated and overproduced CO2.43
The first naked-eye-visible animals in exovivaria will almost certainly be insects. This may limit the appeal of early exovivaria -- they are not what's been called "charismatic megafauna", i.e., the kinds of animals that naturally evoke admiration. On a more practical level, insects can be a problem in trying to balance artificial closed ecosystems, as the experience of Biosphere 2 showed: ants and cockroaches proliferated and overproduced CO2.44
The first naked-eye-visible animals in exovivaria will almost certainly be insects. Insects can be a problem in trying to balance artificial closed ecosystems, as the experience of Biosphere 2 showed: ants and cockroaches proliferated and overproduced CO2.45
The first naked-eye-visible animals in exovivaria will almost certainly be insects. This may limit the appeal of early exovivaria -- they are not what's been called "charismatic megafauna", i.e., the kinds of animals that naturally evoke admiration. On a more practical level, Insects can be a problem in trying to balance artificial closed ecosystems, as the experience of Biosphere 2 showed: ants and cockroaches proliferated and overproduced CO2.46
The first naked-eye-visible animals in exovivaria will almost certainly be insects. Insects can be a problem in trying to balance artificial closed ecosystems, as the experience of Biosphere 2 showed: ants and cockroaches proliferated and overproduced CO2.47 If properly controlled, however, insect production of CO2 can be a good thing: plants might otherwise be starved of it, as their photosynthesis turns CO2 into oxygen. Insects wouldn't be a new solution to this problem: Victorian Era vivaria survived in part because of the (serendipitous48) discovery that plants in closed atmospheres transported over long distances needed the CO2 produced by the insects inside the containers.
The first naked-eye-visible animals in exovivaria will almost certainly be insects. Insects can be a problem in trying to balance artificial closed ecosystems, as the experience of Biosphere 2 showed: ants and cockroaches proliferated and overproduced CO2.49
If properly controlled, however, insect production of CO2 can be a good thing: plants might otherwise be starved of it, as their photosynthesis turns CO2 into oxygen. Insects wouldn't be a new solution to this problem: Victorian Era vivaria survived in part because of the (serendipitous50) discovery that plants in closed atmospheres transported over long distances needed the CO2 produced by the insects inside the containers.
The first naked-eye-visible animals in exovivaria will almost certainly be insects. Insects can be a problem in trying to balance artificial closed ecosystems, as the experience of Biosphere 2 showed: ants and cockroaches proliferated and overproduced CO2.51 If properly controlled, however, insect production of CO2 can be a good thing: plants might otherwise be starved of it, as their photosynthesis turns CO2 into oxygen. Insects wouldn't be a new solution to this problem: Victorian Era vivaria survived because of the (serendipitous52) discovery that plants in closed atmospheres transported over long distances could survive in part because of the CO2 produced by the insects inside the containers.
The first naked-eye-visible animals in exovivaria will almost certainly be insects. Insects can be a problem in trying to balance artificial closed ecosystems, as the experience of Biosphere 2 showed: ants and cockroaches proliferated and overproduced CO2.53 If properly controlled, however, insect production of CO2 can be a good thing: plants might otherwise be starved of it, as their photosynthesis turns CO2 into oxygen. Insects wouldn't be a new solution to this problem: Victorian Era vivaria survived in part because of the (serendipitous54) discovery that plants in closed atmospheres transported over long distances needed the CO2 produced by the insects inside the containers.
The first naked-eye-visible animals in exovivaria will almost certainly be insects. Insects can be a problem in trying to balance closed ecosystems, as the experience of Biosphere 2 showed: ants and cockroaches proliferated and overproduced CO2.55 If properly controlled, however, insect production of CO2 can be a good thing: plants might otherwise run out of it, as their photosynthesis turns CO2 into oxygen.
However, apart from recycling oxygen into CO2 for plant growth,56 insects can also form multiple links in a food chain, with some insects eating others, and with any insect possibly becoming a meal itself or (through excretion while living and decomposition after death) a source of nutrients for plants and bacteria. Insects have even been proposed as a food source for human beings in space.57
The first naked-eye-visible animals in exovivaria will almost certainly be insects. Insects can be a problem in trying to balance artificial closed ecosystems, as the experience of Biosphere 2 showed: ants and cockroaches proliferated and overproduced CO2.58 If properly controlled, however, insect production of CO2 can be a good thing: plants might otherwise be starved of it, as their photosynthesis turns CO2 into oxygen. Insects wouldn't be a new solution to this problem: Victorian Era vivaria survived because of the (serendipitous59) discovery that plants in closed atmospheres transported over long distances could survive in part because of the CO2 produced by the insects inside the containers.
Insects can also form multiple links in a food chain, with some insects eating others, and with any insect possibly becoming a meal itself or (through excretion while living and decomposition after death) a source of nutrients for plants and bacteria. Insects have even been proposed as a food source for human beings in space.60
Bioplastics (possibly electroactive, yielding biomimetic muscles for telebots and power-generation components),6162 dyes (e.g., carmine and sealants might be derived from scale insects living parasitically on plants that have other uses in the exovivarial ecosystem.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/37/Trithemis_arteriosa_qtl1.jpg/320px-Trithemis_arteriosa_qtl1.jpg
The first naked-eye-visible animals in exovivaria will almost certainly be insects. Insects can be a problem in trying to balance closed ecosystems, as the experience of Biosphere 2 showed.
The first naked-eye-visible animals in exovivaria will almost certainly be insects. Insects can be a problem in trying to balance closed ecosystems, as the experience of Biosphere 2 showed: ants and cockroaches proliferated and overproduced CO2.65 If properly controlled, however, insect production of CO2 can be a good thing: plants might otherwise run out of it, as their photosynthesis turns CO2 into oxygen.
Insects might do useful work and produce useful byproducts. Harvesting power from insect motion using piezoelectric devices has been demonstrated.66 Producing silk on orbit might be possible: Abandoned cocoons, if matted and soaked, then frozen, could form a strong and renewable ice-composite shield against orbital debris.67,68 "Cyborg insects" have been controlled by direct muscle stimulation and optical input.69,70
Insects might do useful work and produce useful byproducts. Harvesting power from insect motion using piezoelectric devices has been demonstrated.71 Producing silk on orbit might be possible: Abandoned cocoons, if matted and soaked, then frozen, could form a strong and renewable ice-composite shield against orbital debris strikes.72,73 "Cyborg insects" have been controlled by direct muscle stimulation and optical input.74,75
Insects might do useful work and produce useful byproducts. Harvesting power from insect motion using piezoelectric devices has been demonstrated.76 Producing silk on orbit might be possible: Abandoned cocoons, if matted and soaked, then frozen, could form a strong and renewable ice-composite shield against orbital debris.77 "Cyborg insects" have been controlled by direct muscle stimulation and optical input.78,79
Insects might do useful work and produce useful byproducts. Harvesting power from insect motion using piezoelectric devices has been demonstrated.80 Producing silk on orbit might be possible: Abandoned cocoons, if matted and soaked, then frozen, could form a strong and renewable ice-composite shield against orbital debris.81,82 "Cyborg insects" have been controlled by direct muscle stimulation and optical input.83,84
Bioplastics (possibly electroactive, yielding biomimetic muscles for telebots),85 dyes (e.g., carmine and sealants might be derived from scale insects living parasitically on plants that have other uses in the exovivarial ecosystem.
A research question of particular interest: what are the minimum requirements for a permanent population of honeybees? Bees can pollinate, to help plants in the exovivarium reproduce. They also produce wax, which might have value as a sealant, as a lubricant, as a fuel,88 as a strengthener/preservative for strands of fiber derived from exovivarial plants, and as a base for casting. Honey might be used to feed other animals, and even be fermented to produce a burnable fuel (alcohol). Honey could also be an agricultural export for exovivaria, a prized item in the larders of (inter)national space stations, space hotels, and expeditionary spacecraft.
A research question of particular interest: what are the minimum requirements for a permanent population of honeybees? Bees can pollinate, to help plants in the exovivarium reproduce. They also produce wax, which might have value as a sealant, as a lubricant, as a fuel,89 as a strengthener/preservative for strands of fiber derived from exovivarial plants, and as a base for casting. Honey might be used to feed other animals, and even be fermented to produce a burnable fuel (alcohol). Honey could be an export product for exovivaria, a prized item in the larders of (inter)national space stations, space hotels, and expeditionary spacecraft.
The first naked-eye-visible animals in Exovivaria will almost certainly be insects. Insects can be a problem in trying to balance closed ecosystems, as the experience of Biosphere 2 showed.
However, apart from recycling oxygen into carbon dioxide for plant growth,90 insects can also form multiple links in a food chain, with some insects eating others, and with any insect possibly becoming food for other animals or (through excretion while living and decomposition after death) a source nutrients for plants and bacteria. Insects have even been proposed as a food source for human beings in space.91
The first naked-eye-visible animals in exovivaria will almost certainly be insects. Insects can be a problem in trying to balance closed ecosystems, as the experience of Biosphere 2 showed.
However, apart from recycling oxygen into CO2 for plant growth,92 insects can also form multiple links in a food chain, with some insects eating others, and with any insect possibly becoming a meal itself or (through excretion while living and decomposition after death) a source of nutrients for plants and bacteria. Insects have even been proposed as a food source for human beings in space.93
Insects might do useful work and produce useful byproducts. Harvesting power from insect motion using piezoelectric devices has been demonstrated.94 Producing silk on orbit might be possible: Abandoned cocoons, if matted and soaked, then frozen, might produce a strong and renewable ice-composite material for shielding against orbital debris strikes. Work proceeds apace on "cyborg insects" that can be controlled by direct muscle stimulation or optical input.95,96
Insects might do useful work and produce useful byproducts. Harvesting power from insect motion using piezoelectric devices has been demonstrated.97 Producing silk on orbit might be possible: Abandoned cocoons, if matted and soaked, then frozen, could form a strong and renewable ice-composite shield against orbital debris.98 "Cyborg insects" have been controlled by direct muscle stimulation and optical input.99,100
Bioplastics (possibly electroactive),101 dyes (e.g., carmine and sealants might be derived from scale insects living parasitically on plants that have other uses in the exovivarial ecosystem.
Bioplastics (possibly electroactive, yielding biomimetic muscles for telebots),102 dyes (e.g., carmine and sealants might be derived from scale insects living parasitically on plants that have other uses in the exovivarial ecosystem.
A research question of particular interest: what is the minimum size for a permanent population of honeybees? Bees can pollinate, helping plants in the exovivarium reproduce. Honeybees can also produce wax, which might have value as a sealant, as a lubricant, as a fuel, as a strengthener/preservative for strands of fiber derived from exovivarial plants, and as a base for casting. Honey might be used to feed other animals, and even be fermented to produce a burnable fuel (alcohol). Honey could also be an agricultural export for exovivaria, a prized item in the larders of (inter)national space stations, space hotels, and expeditionary spacecraft.
A research question of particular interest: what are the minimum requirements for a permanent population of honeybees? Bees can pollinate, to help plants in the exovivarium reproduce. They also produce wax, which might have value as a sealant, as a lubricant, as a fuel,103 as a strengthener/preservative for strands of fiber derived from exovivarial plants, and as a base for casting. Honey might be used to feed other animals, and even be fermented to produce a burnable fuel (alcohol). Honey could also be an agricultural export for exovivaria, a prized item in the larders of (inter)national space stations, space hotels, and expeditionary spacecraft.
Dyes, bioplastics and sealants might be derived from scale insects living parasitically on plants that have other uses in the exovivarial ecosystem.
Bioplastics (possibly electroactive),104 dyes (e.g., carmine and sealants might be derived from scale insects living parasitically on plants that have other uses in the exovivarial ecosystem.
However, apart from recycling oxygen into carbon dioxide for plant growth,105 insects can also form multiple links in a food chain, with some insects eating others, and with any insect possibly becoming food for other animals or (through excretion while living and decomposition after death) a source nutrients for plants and bacteria. Insects have even been proposed as a food source for human beings in space.106
However, apart from recycling oxygen into carbon dioxide for plant growth,107 insects can also form multiple links in a food chain, with some insects eating others, and with any insect possibly becoming food for other animals or (through excretion while living and decomposition after death) a source nutrients for plants and bacteria. Insects have even been proposed as a food source for human beings in space.108
Dyes, bioplastics and sealants might be derived from scale insects living parasitically on plants that have other uses in the exovivarial ecosystem.
Dyes, bioplastics and sealants might be derived from scale insects living parasitically on plants that have other uses in the exovivarial ecosystem.
The first naked-eye-visible animals in Exovivaria will almost certainly be insects. Insects can be problematic in closed ecosystems, as the experience of Biosphere 2 showed.
The first naked-eye-visible animals in Exovivaria will almost certainly be insects. Insects can be a problem in trying to balance closed ecosystems, as the experience of Biosphere 2 showed.
Insects might do useful work and produce useful byproducts. Harvesting power from insect motion using piezoelectric devices has been demonstrated.109 Producing silk on orbit might be possible: Abandoned cocoons, if matted and soaked, then frozen, might produce a strong and renewable ice-composite? for shielding against orbital debris strikes. Work proceeds apace on "cyborg insects" that can be controlled by direct muscle stimulation or optical input.110,111
Insects might do useful work and produce useful byproducts. Harvesting power from insect motion using piezoelectric devices has been demonstrated.112 Producing silk on orbit might be possible: Abandoned cocoons, if matted and soaked, then frozen, might produce a strong and renewable ice-composite material for shielding against orbital debris strikes. Work proceeds apace on "cyborg insects" that can be controlled by direct muscle stimulation or optical input.113,114
The first naked-eye-visible animals in Exovivaria will almost certainly be insects. Insects can be problematic in closed ecosystems, as the experience of Biosphere II? showed.
The first naked-eye-visible animals in Exovivaria will almost certainly be insects. Insects can be problematic in closed ecosystems, as the experience of Biosphere 2 showed.
However, apart from recycling oxygen into carbon dioxide for plant growth, as seen with the earliest vivaria, insects can also form multiple links in a food chain, with some insects eating others, and can be a source of food to other animals and (through excretion) nutrients for plants and bacteria. Insects have even been proposed as a food source for human beings in space115.
However, apart from recycling oxygen into carbon dioxide for plant growth,116 insects can also form multiple links in a food chain, with some insects eating others, and with any insect possibly becoming food for other animals or (through excretion while living and decomposition after death) a source nutrients for plants and bacteria. Insects have even been proposed as a food source for human beings in space.117
Insects might do useful work and produce useful byproducts. For example, producing silk on orbit might be possible. Abandoned cocoons, if matted and soaked, then frozen, might produce a strong ice-composite? for shielding against orbital debris strikes. Work proceeds apace on "cyborg insects" that can be controlled by direct muscle stimulation or optical input.118,119
Insects might do useful work and produce useful byproducts. Harvesting power from insect motion using piezoelectric devices has been demonstrated.120 Producing silk on orbit might be possible: Abandoned cocoons, if matted and soaked, then frozen, might produce a strong and renewable ice-composite? for shielding against orbital debris strikes. Work proceeds apace on "cyborg insects" that can be controlled by direct muscle stimulation or optical input.121,122
Dyes, bioplastics and sealants might be derived from scale insects living parasitically on plants with other uses in the exovivarial ecosystem.
Dyes, bioplastics and sealants might be derived from scale insects living parasitically on plants that have other uses in the exovivarial ecosystem.
One research question of particular interest is the minimum size for a permanent population of honeybees. Bees can pollinate. Honeybees can also produce wax, which might have value as a sealant, a lubricant, a fuel, a strengthener/preservative for fiber strands, and as a base for casting. Honey might be fermented to produce a burnable fuel (alcohol), if needed, or be used directly to feed other animals. Honey might also be an export product for exovivaria, feeding human beings in space stations and in space hotels.
A research question of particular interest: what is the minimum size for a permanent population of honeybees? Bees can pollinate, helping plants in the exovivarium reproduce. Honeybees can also produce wax, which might have value as a sealant, as a lubricant, as a fuel, as a strengthener/preservative for strands of fiber derived from exovivarial plants, and as a base for casting. Honey might be used to feed other animals, and even be fermented to produce a burnable fuel (alcohol). Honey could also be an agricultural export for exovivaria, a prized item in the larders of (inter)national space stations, space hotels, and expeditionary spacecraft.
Insects might do useful work and produce useful byproducts. For example, producing silk on orbit might be possible. Abandoned cocoons, if matted and soaked, then frozen, might produce a strong ice-composite? for shielding against orbital debris strikes. Work proceeds apace on "cyborg insects" that can be controlled by direct muscle stimulation or optical input.123,124
Insects might do useful work and produce useful byproducts. For example, producing silk on orbit might be possible. Abandoned cocoons, if matted and soaked, then frozen, might produce a strong ice-composite? for shielding against orbital debris strikes. Work proceeds apace on "cyborg insects" that can be controlled by direct muscle stimulation or optical input.125,126
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e3/Honeybee_pollen_basket.JPG/120px-Honeybee_pollen_basket.JPG
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c8/Dactylopius_coccus_%28Barlovento%29_04_ies.jpg/320px-Dactylopius_coccus_%28Barlovento%29_04_ies.jpg | Nest of cochineal females, used to produce carmine Dyes, bioplastics and sealants might be derived from scale insects living parasitically on plants with other uses in the exovivarial ecosystem.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e3/Honeybee_pollen_basket.JPG/120px-Honeybee_pollen_basket.JPG
Insects might do useful work and produce useful byproducts. For example, producing silk on orbit might be possible. Abandoned cocoons, if matted and soaked, then frozen, might produce a strong ice-composite? for shielding against orbital debris strikes.
Insects might do useful work and produce useful byproducts. For example, producing silk on orbit might be possible. Abandoned cocoons, if matted and soaked, then frozen, might produce a strong ice-composite? for shielding against orbital debris strikes. Work proceeds apace on "cyborg insects" that can be controlled by direct muscle stimulation or optical input.127,128
One research question of particular interest is the minimum size for a permanent population of honeybees. Bees can pollinate. Honeybees can also produce wax, which might have value as a sealant, a lubricant, a fuel, a strengthener/preservative for fiber strands, and as a base for casting. Honey might be fermented to produce a burnable fuel (alcohol), if needed, or be used directly to feed other animals. Honey might also be an export product of exovivaria, for feeding human beings in space stations and in space hotels.
One research question of particular interest is the minimum size for a permanent population of honeybees. Bees can pollinate. Honeybees can also produce wax, which might have value as a sealant, a lubricant, a fuel, a strengthener/preservative for fiber strands, and as a base for casting. Honey might be fermented to produce a burnable fuel (alcohol), if needed, or be used directly to feed other animals. Honey might also be an export product for exovivaria, feeding human beings in space stations and in space hotels.
1 "Insect cyborgs may become first responders, search and monitor hazardous environs",Nov 22, 2011, Matt Nixon, University of Michigan News Service ⇑
2 BY Lee, et al., "Virus-based piezoelectric energy generation", Nature Nanotechnology 7, 351–356 (2012) doi:10.1038/nnano.2012.69 ⇑
3 Powerful artificial muscles based on silk, and driven by humidity cycles, have also been proposed, see e.g., "Spider silk as a novel high performance biomimetic muscle driven by humidity, Ingi Agnarsson1, Ali Dhinojwala, Vasav Sahni and Todd A. Blackledge, The Journal of Experimental Biology, 2009. The temperature gradient between an ice-composite pressure vessel and a solar-thermal dish used for power generation and general industrial heat might provide an excellent basis for a supply of dry and wet air. ⇑
4 Silk might be further strengthened using silkworms engineered to produce spider silk, see e.g., "Silkworms transformed with chimeric silkworm/spider silk genes spin composite silk fibers with improved mechanical properties", Florence Teulé, et al., PNAS, Nov 28, 2011 doi:10.1073/pnas.1109420109 ⇑
5 "Cockroach Controlled Mobile Robot: Control and Communication in the Animal and the Machine", Garnet Hertz, 23 Dec 2008 ⇑
6 "Cyborg Insects Off The Drawing Board, Into The Air", Evan Ackerman, 8 April 2008 ⇑
7 "Insect cyborgs may become first responders, search and monitor hazardous environs",Nov 22, 2011, Matt Nixon, University of Michigan News Service ⇑
8 BY Lee, et al., "Virus-based piezoelectric energy generation", Nature Nanotechnology 7, 351–356 (2012) doi:10.1038/nnano.2012.69 ⇑
9 Dan Krotz, "Berkeley Lab Scientists Generate Electricity From Viruses", Berkeley Lab News Center, May 13, 2012 ⇑
10 Powerful artificial muscles based on silk, and driven by humidity cycles, have also been proposed, see e.g., "Spider silk as a novel high performance biomimetic muscle driven by humidity, Ingi Agnarsson1, Ali Dhinojwala, Vasav Sahni and Todd A. Blackledge, The Journal of Experimental Biology, 2009. The temperature gradient between an ice-composite pressure vessel and a solar-thermal dish used for power generation and general industrial heat might provide an excellent basis for a supply of dry and wet air. ⇑
11 Silk might be further strengthened using silkworms engineered to produce spider silk, see e.g., "Silkworms transformed with chimeric silkworm/spider silk genes spin composite silk fibers with improved mechanical properties", Florence Teulé, et al., PNAS, Nov 28, 2011 doi:10.1073/pnas.1109420109 ⇑
12 "Cockroach Controlled Mobile Robot: Control and Communication in the Animal and the Machine", Garnet Hertz, 23 Dec 2008 ⇑
13 "Cyborg Insects Off The Drawing Board, Into The Air", Evan Ackerman, 8 April 2008 ⇑
14 Chitin is a source of polymers that have been considered for use in Mars rover electroactive bioplastics, see e.g., "Electroactive Bioplastics Flex Their Industrial Muscle", USDA Agricultural Research Service, 2005 ⇑
15 Electroactive polymers are under active investigation as components in Stirling engines, see e.g., "Electroactive Polymers for Free Piston Stirling Engine Power Generation", Benjamin Mattes (PI), Jan 9, 2012, NASA SBIR/SSTR 2011 Phase 1 Awards List, Proposal No. 11-1 S3.03-8593 ⇑
16 Chitin is a source of polymers that have been considered for use in Mars rover electroactive bioplastics, see e.g., "Electroactive Bioplastics Flex Their Industrial Muscle", USDA Agricultural Research Service, 2005 ⇑
17 Electroactive polymers are under active investigation as components in Stirling engines, see e.g., "Electroactive Polymers for Free Piston Stirling Engine Power Generation", Benjamin Mattes (PI), Jan 9, 2012, NASA SBIR/SSTR 2011 Phase 1 Awards List, Proposal No. 11-1 S3.03-8593 ⇑
18 "Insect cyborgs may become first responders, search and monitor hazardous environs",Nov 22, 2011, Matt Nixon, University of Michigan News Service ⇑
19 BY Lee, et al., "Virus-based piezoelectric energy generation", Nature Nanotechnology 7, 351–356 (2012) doi:10.1038/nnano.2012.69 ⇑
20 Powerful artificial muscles based on silk, and driven by humidity cycles, have also been proposed, see e.g., "Spider silk as a novel high performance biomimetic muscle driven by humidity, Ingi Agnarsson1, Ali Dhinojwala, Vasav Sahni and Todd A. Blackledge, The Journal of Experimental Biology, 2009. The temperature gradient between an ice-composite pressure vessel and a solar-thermal dish used for power generation and general industrial heat might provide an excellent basis for a supply of dry and wet air. ⇑
21 Silk might be further strengthened using silkworms engineered to produce spider silk, see e.g., "Silkworms transformed with chimeric silkworm/spider silk genes spin composite silk fibers with improved mechanical properties", Florence Teulé, et al., PNAS, Nov 28, 2011 doi:10.1073/pnas.1109420109 ⇑
22 "Cockroach Controlled Mobile Robot: Control and Communication in the Animal and the Machine", Garnet Hertz, 23 Dec 2008 ⇑
23 "Cyborg Insects Off The Drawing Board, Into The Air", Evan Ackerman, 8 April 2008 ⇑
24 "Insect cyborgs may become first responders, search and monitor hazardous environs",Nov 22, 2011, Matt Nixon, University of Michigan News Service ⇑
25 BY Lee, et al., "Virus-based piezoelectric energy generation", Nature Nanotechnology 7, 351–356 (2012) doi:10.1038/nnano.2012.69 ⇑
26 Powerful artificial muscles based on silk, and driven by humidity cycles, have also been proposed, see e.g., "Spider silk as a novel high performance biomimetic muscle driven by humidity, Ingi Agnarsson1, Ali Dhinojwala, Vasav Sahni and Todd A. Blackledge, The Journal of Experimental Biology, 2009. The temperature gradient between an ice-composite pressure vessel and a solar-thermal dish used for power generation and general industrial heat might provide an excellent basis for a supply of dry and wet air. ⇑
27 Silk might be further strengthened using silkworms engineered to produce spider silk, see e.g., "Silkworms transformed with chimeric silkworm/spider silk genes spin composite silk fibers with improved mechanical properties", Florence Teulé, et al., PNAS, Nov 28, 2011 doi:10.1073/pnas.1109420109 ⇑
28 "Cockroach Controlled Mobile Robot: Control and Communication in the Animal and the Machine", Garnet Hertz, 23 Dec 2008 ⇑
29 "Cyborg Insects Off The Drawing Board, Into The Air", Evan Ackerman, 8 April 2008 ⇑
30 "Insect cyborgs may become first responders, search and monitor hazardous environs",Nov 22, 2011, Matt Nixon, University of Michigan News Service ⇑
31 Powerful artificial muscles based on silk, and driven by humidity cycles, have also been proposed, see e.g., "Spider silk as a novel high performance biomimetic muscle driven by humidity, Ingi Agnarsson1, Ali Dhinojwala, Vasav Sahni and Todd A. Blackledge, The Journal of Experimental Biology, 2009. The temperature gradient between an ice-composite pressure vessel and a solar-thermal dish used for power generation and general industrial heat might provide an excellent basis for a supply of dry and wet air. ⇑
32 Silk might be further strengthened using silkworms engineered to produce spider silk, see e.g., "Silkworms transformed with chimeric silkworm/spider silk genes spin composite silk fibers with improved mechanical properties", Florence Teulé, et al., PNAS, Nov 28, 2011 doi:10.1073/pnas.1109420109 ⇑
33 "Cockroach Controlled Mobile Robot: Control and Communication in the Animal and the Machine", Garnet Hertz, 23 Dec 2008 ⇑
34 "Cyborg Insects Off The Drawing Board, Into The Air", Evan Ackerman, 8 April 2008 ⇑
35 "Insect cyborgs may become first responders, search and monitor hazardous environs",Nov 22, 2011, Matt Nixon, University of Michigan News Service ⇑
36 BY Lee, et al., "Virus-based piezoelectric energy generation", Nature Nanotechnology 7, 351–356 (2012) doi:10.1038/nnano.2012.69 ⇑
37 Powerful artificial muscles based on silk, and driven by humidity cycles, have also been proposed, see e.g., "Spider silk as a novel high performance biomimetic muscle driven by humidity, Ingi Agnarsson1, Ali Dhinojwala, Vasav Sahni and Todd A. Blackledge, The Journal of Experimental Biology, 2009. The temperature gradient between an ice-composite pressure vessel and a solar-thermal dish used for power generation and general industrial heat might provide an excellent basis for a supply of dry and wet air. ⇑
38 Silk might be further strengthened using silkworms engineered to produce spider silk, see e.g., "Silkworms transformed with chimeric silkworm/spider silk genes spin composite silk fibers with improved mechanical properties", Florence Teulé, et al., PNAS, Nov 28, 2011 doi:10.1073/pnas.1109420109 ⇑
39 "Cockroach Controlled Mobile Robot: Control and Communication in the Animal and the Machine", Garnet Hertz, 23 Dec 2008 ⇑
40 "Cyborg Insects Off The Drawing Board, Into The Air", Evan Ackerman, 8 April 2008 ⇑
41 "Human terrarium, Biosphere 2, looking good at 20", Science on MSBNC, 4/26/2011 ⇑
42 "Human terrarium, Biosphere 2, looking good at 20", Science on MSBNC, 4/26/2011 ⇑
43 "Human terrarium, Biosphere 2, looking good at 20", Science on MSBNC, 4/26/2011 ⇑
44 "Human terrarium, Biosphere 2, looking good at 20", Science on MSBNC, 4/26/2011 ⇑
45 "Human terrarium, Biosphere 2, looking good at 20", Science on MSBNC, 4/26/2011 ⇑
46 "Human terrarium, Biosphere 2, looking good at 20", Science on MSBNC, 4/26/2011 ⇑
47 "Human terrarium, Biosphere 2, looking good at 20", Science on MSBNC, 4/26/2011 ⇑
48 David Hershey, "Doctor Ward's Accidental Terrarium". The American Biology Teacher Vol. 58, No. 5 (May, 1996), pp. 276-281. ⇑
49 "Human terrarium, Biosphere 2, looking good at 20", Science on MSBNC, 4/26/2011 ⇑
50 David Hershey, "Doctor Ward's Accidental Terrarium". The American Biology Teacher Vol. 58, No. 5 (May, 1996), pp. 276-281. ⇑
51 "Human terrarium, Biosphere 2, looking good at 20", Science on MSBNC, 4/26/2011 ⇑
52 David Hershey, "Doctor Ward's Accidental Terrarium". The American Biology Teacher Vol. 58, No. 5 (May, 1996), pp. 276-281. ⇑
53 "Human terrarium, Biosphere 2, looking good at 20", Science on MSBNC, 4/26/2011 ⇑
54 David Hershey, "Doctor Ward's Accidental Terrarium". The American Biology Teacher Vol. 58, No. 5 (May, 1996), pp. 276-281. ⇑
55 Human terrarium, Biosphere 2, looking good at 20, Science on MSBNC, 4/26/2011 ⇑
56 The value of which was first learned serendipitously with Victorian Era vivaria ⇑
57 "Insects as a Food Source in Space Agriculture", Naomi Katayama?, Yoji Ishikawa?, Muneo Takaoki?, Masamichi Yamashita?, Robert Kok?, Hidenori Wada?, Jun Mitsuhashi?, and Space Agriculture Task Force? ⇑
58 "Human terrarium, Biosphere 2, looking good at 20", Science on MSBNC, 4/26/2011 ⇑
59 David Hershey, "Doctor Ward's Accidental Terrarium". The American Biology Teacher Vol. 58, No. 5 (May, 1996), pp. 276-281. ⇑
60 "Insects as a Food Source in Space Agriculture", Naomi Katayama?, Yoji Ishikawa?, Muneo Takaoki?, Masamichi Yamashita?, Robert Kok?, Hidenori Wada?, Jun Mitsuhashi?, and Space Agriculture Task Force? ⇑
61 Chitin is a source of polymers that have been considered for use in Mars rover electroactive bioplastics, see e.g., "Electroactive Bioplastics Flex Their Industrial Muscle", USDA Agricultural Research Service, 2005 ⇑
62 Electroactive polymers are under active investigation as components in Stirling engines, see e.g., "Electroactive Polymers for Free Piston Stirling Engine Power Generation", Benjamin Mattes (PI), Jan 9, 2012, NASA SBIR/SSTR 2011 Phase 1 Awards List, Proposal No. 11-1 S3.03-8593 ⇑
63 Chitin is a source of polymers that have been considered for use in Mars rover electroactive bioplastics, see e.g., "Electroactive Bioplastics Flex Their Industrial Muscle", USDA Agricultural Research Service, 2005 ⇑
64 Electroactive polymers are under active investigation as components in Stirling engines, see e.g., "Electroactive Polymers for Free Piston Stirling Engine Power Generation", Benjamin Mattes (PI), Jan 9, 2012, NASA SBIR/SSTR 2011 Phase 1 Awards List, Proposal No. 11-1 S3.03-8593 ⇑
65 Human terrarium, Biosphere 2, looking good at 20, Science on MSBNC, 4/26/2011 ⇑
66 "Insect cyborgs may become first responders, search and monitor hazardous environs",Nov 22, 2011, Matt Nixon, University of Michigan News Service ⇑
67 Powerful artificial muscles based on silk, and driven by humidity cycles, have also been proposed, see e.g., "Spider silk as a novel high performance biomimetic muscle driven by humidity, Ingi Agnarsson1, Ali Dhinojwala, Vasav Sahni and Todd A. Blackledge, The Journal of Experimental Biology, 2009. The temperature gradient between an ice-composite pressure vessel and a solar-thermal dish used for power generation and general industrial heat might provide an excellent basis for a supply of dry and wet air. ⇑
68 Silk might be further strengthened using silkworms engineered to produce spider silk, see e.g., "Silkworms transformed with chimeric silkworm/spider silk genes spin composite silk fibers with improved mechanical properties", Florence Teulé, et al., PNAS, Nov 28, 2011 doi:10.1073/pnas.1109420109 ⇑
69 "Cockroach Controlled Mobile Robot: Control and Communication in the Animal and the Machine", Garnet Hertz, 23 Dec 2008 ⇑
70 "Cyborg Insects Off The Drawing Board, Into The Air", Evan Ackerman, 8 April 2008 ⇑
71 "Insect cyborgs may become first responders, search and monitor hazardous environs",Nov 22, 2011, Matt Nixon, University of Michigan News Service ⇑
72 Powerful artificial muscles based on silk, and driven by humidity cycles, have also been proposed, see e.g., "Spider silk as a novel high performance biomimetic muscle driven by humidity, Ingi Agnarsson1, Ali Dhinojwala, Vasav Sahni and Todd A. Blackledge, The Journal of Experimental Biology, 2009. The temperature gradient between an ice-composite pressure vessel and a solar-thermal dish used for power generation and general industrial heat might provide an excellent basis for a supply of dry and wet air. ⇑
73 Silk might be further strengthened using silkworms engineered to produce spider silk, see e.g., "Silkworms transformed with chimeric silkworm/spider silk genes spin composite silk fibers with improved mechanical properties", Florence Teulé, et al., PNAS, Nov 28, 2011 doi:10.1073/pnas.1109420109 ⇑
74 "Cockroach Controlled Mobile Robot: Control and Communication in the Animal and the Machine", Garnet Hertz, 23 Dec 2008 ⇑
75 "Cyborg Insects Off The Drawing Board, Into The Air", Evan Ackerman, 8 April 2008 ⇑
76 "Insect cyborgs may become first responders, search and monitor hazardous environs",Nov 22, 2011, Matt Nixon, University of Michigan News Service ⇑
77 Powerful artificial muscles based on silk, and driven by humidity cycles, have also been proposed, see e.g., "Spider silk as a novel high performance biomimetic muscle driven by humidity, Ingi Agnarsson1, Ali Dhinojwala, Vasav Sahni and Todd A. Blackledge, The Journal of Experimental Biology, 2009. The temperature gradient between an ice-composite pressure vessel and a solar-thermal dish used for power generation and general industrial heat might provide an excellent basis for a supply of dry and wet air. ⇑
78 "Cockroach Controlled Mobile Robot: Control and Communication in the Animal and the Machine", Garnet Hertz, 23 Dec 2008 ⇑
79 "Cyborg Insects Off The Drawing Board, Into The Air", Evan Ackerman, 8 April 2008 ⇑
80 "Insect cyborgs may become first responders, search and monitor hazardous environs",Nov 22, 2011, Matt Nixon, University of Michigan News Service ⇑
81 Powerful artificial muscles based on silk, and driven by humidity cycles, have also been proposed, see e.g., "Spider silk as a novel high performance biomimetic muscle driven by humidity, Ingi Agnarsson1, Ali Dhinojwala, Vasav Sahni and Todd A. Blackledge, The Journal of Experimental Biology, 2009. The temperature gradient between an ice-composite pressure vessel and a solar-thermal dish used for power generation and general industrial heat might provide an excellent basis for a supply of dry and wet air. ⇑
82 Silk might be further strengthened using silkworms engineered to produce spider silk, see e.g., "Silkworms transformed with chimeric silkworm/spider silk genes spin composite silk fibers with improved mechanical properties", Florence Teulé, et al., PNAS, Nov 28, 2011 doi:10.1073/pnas.1109420109 ⇑
83 "Cockroach Controlled Mobile Robot: Control and Communication in the Animal and the Machine", Garnet Hertz, 23 Dec 2008 ⇑
84 "Cyborg Insects Off The Drawing Board, Into The Air", Evan Ackerman, 8 April 2008 ⇑
85 Chitin is a source of polymers that have been considered for use in Mars rover electroactive bioplastics, see e.g., "Electroactive Bioplastics Flex Their Industrial Muscle", USDA Agricultural Research Service, 2005 ⇑
86 Chitin is a source of polymers that have been considered for use in Mars rover electroactive bioplastics, see e.g., "Electroactive Bioplastics Flex Their Industrial Muscle", USDA Agricultural Research Service, 2005 ⇑
87 Electroactive polymers are under active investigation as components in Stirling engines, see e.g., "Electroactive Polymers for Free Piston Stirling Engine Power Generation", Benjamin Mattes (PI), Jan 9, 2012, NASA SBIR/SSTR 2011 Phase 1 Awards List, Proposal No. 11-1 S3.03-8593 ⇑
88 Beeswax candles might provide illumination and heat while an exovivarium is in earthshadow ⇑
89 Beeswax candles might provide illumination and heat while an exovivarium is in earthshadow ⇑
90 The value of which was first learned serendipitously with Victorian Era vivaria ⇑
91 "Insects as a Food Source in Space Agriculture", Naomi Katayama?, Yoji Ishikawa?, Muneo Takaoki?, Masamichi Yamashita?, Robert Kok?, Hidenori Wada?, Jun Mitsuhashi?, and Space Agriculture Task Force? ⇑
92 The value of which was first learned serendipitously with Victorian Era vivaria ⇑
93 "Insects as a Food Source in Space Agriculture", Naomi Katayama?, Yoji Ishikawa?, Muneo Takaoki?, Masamichi Yamashita?, Robert Kok?, Hidenori Wada?, Jun Mitsuhashi?, and Space Agriculture Task Force? ⇑
94 "Insect cyborgs may become first responders, search and monitor hazardous environs",Nov 22, 2011, Matt Nixon, University of Michigan News Service ⇑
95 "Cockroach Controlled Mobile Robot: Control and Communication in the Animal and the Machine", Garnet Hertz, 23 Dec 2008 ⇑
96 "Cyborg Insects Off The Drawing Board, Into The Air", Evan Ackerman, 8 April 2008 ⇑
97 "Insect cyborgs may become first responders, search and monitor hazardous environs",Nov 22, 2011, Matt Nixon, University of Michigan News Service ⇑
98 Powerful artificial muscles based on silk, and driven by humidity cycles, have also been proposed, see e.g., "Spider silk as a novel high performance biomimetic muscle driven by humidity, Ingi Agnarsson1, Ali Dhinojwala, Vasav Sahni and Todd A. Blackledge, The Journal of Experimental Biology, 2009. The temperature gradient between an ice-composite pressure vessel and a solar-thermal dish used for power generation and general industrial heat might provide an excellent basis for a supply of dry and wet air. ⇑
99 "Cockroach Controlled Mobile Robot: Control and Communication in the Animal and the Machine", Garnet Hertz, 23 Dec 2008 ⇑
100 "Cyborg Insects Off The Drawing Board, Into The Air", Evan Ackerman, 8 April 2008 ⇑
101 Chitin is a source of polymers that have been considered for use in Mars rover electroactive bioplastics, see e.g., "Electroactive Bioplastics Flex Their Industrial Muscle", USDA Agricultural Research Service, 2005 ⇑
102 Chitin is a source of polymers that have been considered for use in Mars rover electroactive bioplastics, see e.g., "Electroactive Bioplastics Flex Their Industrial Muscle", USDA Agricultural Research Service, 2005 ⇑
103 Beeswax candles might provide illumination and heat while an exovivarium is in earthshadow ⇑
104 Chitin is a source of polymers that have been considered for use in Mars rover electroactive bioplastics, see e.g., "Electroactive Bioplastics Flex Their Industrial Muscle", USDA Agricultural Research Service, 2005 ⇑
105 As first seen serendipitously with Victorian Era vivaria ⇑
106 "Insects as a Food Source in Space Agriculture", Naomi Katayama?, Yoji Ishikawa?, Muneo Takaoki?, Masamichi Yamashita?, Robert Kok?, Hidenori Wada?, Jun Mitsuhashi?, and Space Agriculture Task Force? ⇑
107 The value of which was first learned serendipitously with Victorian Era vivaria ⇑
108 "Insects as a Food Source in Space Agriculture", Naomi Katayama?, Yoji Ishikawa?, Muneo Takaoki?, Masamichi Yamashita?, Robert Kok?, Hidenori Wada?, Jun Mitsuhashi?, and Space Agriculture Task Force? ⇑
109 "Insect cyborgs may become first responders, search and monitor hazardous environs",Nov 22, 2011, Matt Nixon, University of Michigan News Service ⇑
110 "Cockroach Controlled Mobile Robot: Control and Communication in the Animal and the Machine", Garnet Hertz, 23 Dec 2008 ⇑
111 "Cyborg Insects Off The Drawing Board, Into The Air", Evan Ackerman, 8 April 2008 ⇑
112 "Insect cyborgs may become first responders, search and monitor hazardous environs",Nov 22, 2011, Matt Nixon, University of Michigan News Service ⇑
113 "Cockroach Controlled Mobile Robot: Control and Communication in the Animal and the Machine", Garnet Hertz, 23 Dec 2008 ⇑
114 "Cyborg Insects Off The Drawing Board, Into The Air", Evan Ackerman, 8 April 2008 ⇑
115 "Insects as a Food Source in Space Agriculture", Naomi Katayama?, Yoji Ishikawa?, Muneo Takaoki?, Masamichi Yamashita?, Robert Kok?, Hidenori Wada?, Jun Mitsuhashi?, and Space Agriculture Task Force? ⇑
116 As first seen serendipitously with Victorian Era vivaria ⇑
117 "Insects as a Food Source in Space Agriculture", Naomi Katayama?, Yoji Ishikawa?, Muneo Takaoki?, Masamichi Yamashita?, Robert Kok?, Hidenori Wada?, Jun Mitsuhashi?, and Space Agriculture Task Force? ⇑
118 "Cockroach Controlled Mobile Robot: Control and Communication in the Animal and the Machine", Garnet Hertz, 23 Dec 2008 ⇑
119 "Cyborg Insects Off The Drawing Board, Into The Air", Evan Ackerman, 8 April 2008 ⇑
120 "Insect cyborgs may become first responders, search and monitor hazardous environs",Nov 22, 2011, Matt Nixon, University of Michigan News Service ⇑
121 "Cockroach Controlled Mobile Robot: Control and Communication in the Animal and the Machine", Garnet Hertz, 23 Dec 2008 ⇑
122 "Cyborg Insects Off The Drawing Board, Into The Air", Evan Ackerman, 8 April 2008 ⇑
123 "Cockroach Controlled Mobile Robot: Control and Communication in the Animal and the Machine", Garnet Hertz, 23 Dec 2008 ⇑
124 "Cyborg Insects Off The Drawing Board, Into The Air"?, Evan Ackerman, 8 April 2008 ⇑
125 "Cockroach Controlled Mobile Robot: Control and Communication in the Animal and the Machine", Garnet Hertz, 23 Dec 2008 ⇑
126 "Cyborg Insects Off The Drawing Board, Into The Air", Evan Ackerman, 8 April 2008 ⇑
127 "Cockroach Controlled Mobile Robot: Control and Communication in the Animal and the Machine", Garnet Hertz, 23 Dec 2008 ⇑
128 "Cyborg Insects Off The Drawing Board, Into The Air"?, Evan Ackerman, 8 April 2008 ⇑
Further reading
- Creating and Evaluating Artificial Domiciles for Bumble Bees (PDF). Douglas A. Golick, Marion D. Ellis, Brady Beecham. American Biology Teacher. 2006.
However, apart from recycling oxygen into carbon dioxide for plant growth, as seen with the earliest vivaria, insects can also form multiple links in a food chain, with some insects eating others, and can be a source of food to other animals and (through excretion) nutrients for plants and bacteria. Insects have even been proposed as a food source for human beings in space1.
However, apart from recycling oxygen into carbon dioxide for plant growth, as seen with the earliest vivaria, insects can also form multiple links in a food chain, with some insects eating others, and can be a source of food to other animals and (through excretion) nutrients for plants and bacteria. Insects have even been proposed as a food source for human beings in space2.
One research question of particular interest is the minimum size for a permanent population of honeybees. Bees can pollinate. Honeybees can also produce wax, which might have value as a sealant, a lubricant, a fuel, a strengthener/preservative for fiber strands, and as a base for casting. Fermenting honey might produce a burnable fuel (alcohol), if needed, or used to feed other animals.
One research question of particular interest is the minimum size for a permanent population of honeybees. Bees can pollinate. Honeybees can also produce wax, which might have value as a sealant, a lubricant, a fuel, a strengthener/preservative for fiber strands, and as a base for casting. Honey might be fermented to produce a burnable fuel (alcohol), if needed, or be used directly to feed other animals. Honey might also be an export product of exovivaria, for feeding human beings in space stations and in space hotels.
However, apart from playing a role in recycling oxygen into carbon dioxide, as seen with the earliest vivaria, insects can also form multiple links in a food chain, with some insects eating others, and can be a source of food to other animals and (through excretion) nutrients for plants and bacteria. Insects have even been proposed as a food source for human beings in space (see Katayama, et al., ref below), as in many places in the world.
However, apart from recycling oxygen into carbon dioxide for plant growth, as seen with the earliest vivaria, insects can also form multiple links in a food chain, with some insects eating others, and can be a source of food to other animals and (through excretion) nutrients for plants and bacteria. Insects have even been proposed as a food source for human beings in space3.
Further reading
- "Insects as a Food Source in Space Agriculture", Naomi Katayama?, Yoji Ishikawa?, Muneo Takaoki?, Masamichi Yamashita?, Robert Kok?, Hidenori Wada?, Jun Mitsuhashi?, and Space Agriculture Task Force?.
1 Insects as a Food Source in Space Agriculture", Naomi Katayama?, Yoji Ishikawa?, Muneo Takaoki?, Masamichi Yamashita?, Robert Kok?, Hidenori Wada?, Jun Mitsuhashi?, and Space Agriculture Task Force? ⇑
2 "Insects as a Food Source in Space Agriculture", Naomi Katayama?, Yoji Ishikawa?, Muneo Takaoki?, Masamichi Yamashita?, Robert Kok?, Hidenori Wada?, Jun Mitsuhashi?, and Space Agriculture Task Force? ⇑
3 Insects as a Food Source in Space Agriculture", Naomi Katayama?, Yoji Ishikawa?, Muneo Takaoki?, Masamichi Yamashita?, Robert Kok?, Hidenori Wada?, Jun Mitsuhashi?, and Space Agriculture Task Force? ⇑
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4a/Prohierodula_picta_Mantis.jpg/120px-Prohierodula_picta_Mantis.jpg
Insects might do useful work and produce useful byproducts. For example, silk production on orbit might be possible.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/30/Tkalnia.jedwabiu.Shuzhou-kokony.JPG/120px-Tkalnia.jedwabiu.Shuzhou-kokony.JPG Insects might do useful work and produce useful byproducts. For example, producing silk on orbit might be possible. Abandoned cocoons, if matted and soaked, then frozen, might produce a strong ice-composite? for shielding against orbital debris strikes.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e3/Honeybee_pollen_basket.JPG/120px-Honeybee_pollen_basket.JPG
Insects might do useful work and produce useful byproducts. For example, silk production on orbit might be possible.
One research question of particular interest is the minimum size for a permanent population of honeybees. Bees can pollinate. Honeybees can also produce wax, which might have value as a sealant, a lubricant, a fuel, a strengthener/preservative for fiber strands, and as a base for casting. Fermenting honey might produce a burnable fuel (alcohol), if needed, or used to feed other animals.
The first easily visible animals in Exovivaria will probably be insects. Insects can be problematic in closed ecosystems, as the experience of Biosphere II? showed.
The first naked-eye-visible animals in Exovivaria will almost certainly be insects. Insects can be problematic in closed ecosystems, as the experience of Biosphere II? showed.
- "Insects as a Food Source in Space Agriculture]", [[Naomi Katayama, Yoji Ishikawa?, Muneo Takaoki?, Masamichi Yamashita?, Robert Kok?, Hidenori Wada?, Jun Mitsuhashi?, and Space Agriculture Task Force?.
- "Insects as a Food Source in Space Agriculture", Naomi Katayama?, Yoji Ishikawa?, Muneo Takaoki?, Masamichi Yamashita?, Robert Kok?, Hidenori Wada?, Jun Mitsuhashi?, and Space Agriculture Task Force?.
However, apart from playing a role in recycling oxygen into carbon dioxide, as seen with the earliest vivaria, insects can also form multiple links in a food chain, with some insects eating others, and can be a source of food to other animals and (through excretion) nutrients for plants and bacteria. Insects have even been proposed as a food source for human beings in space (see Muneo et al ref below), as they are for many people around the world.
However, apart from playing a role in recycling oxygen into carbon dioxide, as seen with the earliest vivaria, insects can also form multiple links in a food chain, with some insects eating others, and can be a source of food to other animals and (through excretion) nutrients for plants and bacteria. Insects have even been proposed as a food source for human beings in space (see Katayama, et al., ref below), as in many places in the world.
However, apart from playing a role in recycling oxygen into carbon dioxide, as seen with the earliest vivaria, insects can also form a food chain, and be a source of food to other animals. They have even been proposed as food sources for human beings in space (see Muneo et al ref below).
However, apart from playing a role in recycling oxygen into carbon dioxide, as seen with the earliest vivaria, insects can also form multiple links in a food chain, with some insects eating others, and can be a source of food to other animals and (through excretion) nutrients for plants and bacteria. Insects have even been proposed as a food source for human beings in space (see Muneo et al ref below), as they are for many people around the world.
The first easily visible animals in Exovivaria will probably be insects. Insects can be problematic in closed ecosystems, as the experience of Biosphere II? showed.
However, apart from playing a role in recycling oxygen into carbon dioxide, as seen with the earliest vivaria, insects can also form a food chain, and be a source of food to other animals. They have even been proposed as food sources for human beings in space (see Muneo et al ref below).
Further reading
- "Insects as a Food Source in Space Agriculture]", [[Naomi Katayama, Yoji Ishikawa?, Muneo Takaoki?, Masamichi Yamashita?, Robert Kok?, Hidenori Wada?, Jun Mitsuhashi?, and Space Agriculture Task Force?.