Xenobots: A New Threat or Solution?
Reproduction is endemic to humans and animals, including microorganisms that are impervious to the human eyes. However, scientists have taken a new approach to creating a peculiar robotic life.
Scientists at the University of Vermont, Tufts University, and Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University have designed the world’s first self-replicative robot called Xenobot.
The Makeup of Xenobots
Xenobots are built from the African claw frog (Xenopus Laevis) stem cells. The stem cell can inhabit the skin of this species, protecting it from pathogens and excess mucus.
Xenobots are self-reproduced by a biological process known as kinematic replication, which is a special type of reproduction. It's the first computerized genomic stem cell.
Even though scientists don't regard the Xenobots as mere metallic components, they're pink cilia-like cells found floating in their Petri dishes. The Xenobots are less than one millimeter in width. The parent cells look like the 1980’s video game Pac man. Their Pac-man-shaped mouth enables them to assemble in a single cell and reproduce after a few days.
The baby Xenobots take the exact shape of the parent. After which, the new cells go out and produce the same way. The process keeps repeating till a colony is formed. These cells have the genetic makeup of a frog. However, they don't develop into the tadpole stage. An artificial intelligence hastens their growth sprout. It's still a pending question whether this life form can be regarded as a robot or organism.
The primary purpose of this artificial life is not yet known. Though scientists predict that it can be efficient in nuclear medicine if incorporated with human cells instead. What's more, Xenobots can clean the earth of pollution because they're biodegradable. In the future, Xenobots may become autonomous surgeons. Xenobots have a self-healing power. They can grow after being cut into pieces. This self-healing power is why researchers believe they can be helpful in degenerative nervous diseases.
So far, it's seen by many that this organism has proved nothing but essential benefits for futuristic usage to human life. However, the introduction of Xenobots has raised many side-eyes. Could they possibly conquer humans? Would they gain superiority over humans if enhanced?
Many believe that Xenobots can pose a risk to humans. What's then the worst that can happen?
According to Simon Chandler via Forbes, "Xenobots can threaten humans by claiming superiority. And since they're planning to use them in nuclear medicine, they may alter the molecular makeup of humans."
“This may predispose humans to viral diseases. They may also be transmittable," Simon Chandler added.
However, scientists have assured humans of its harmless nature and sustainability living around the human environment.
Thankfully, Xenobots can’t survive outside the laboratory. They can’t thrive without food and other sources of ATP for a long time. Due to their short lifespan, they would die if they're lacking. So far, this life form won't cause any harm to the earth. Scientists are presently looking to add other features to the Xenobots. They sense vibrations through a sealed eyelid. And they believe that if the Xenobots have eyes, it will be a great fit for the creature.
Time will tell!
