header print

11 of the World's Creepiest Experiments

They say truth is stranger than fiction, and that definitely holds true when it comes to the creepy experiments going on in the scientific world. From human limbs being grown inside of pigs’ bladders, to electrodes being implanted within beetles, here are 11 of the creepiest experiments that are going on in the world right now:
 
1. Pig bladders being used to regrow human limbs
creepy-experiments

Scientists have discovered that tissue from pigs’ bladders can actually be dried into a powder that can be used to regrow human fingers. Extracellular matrix differs from other tissue in mammals because it contains a protein that stimulates total tissue regrowth. This is similar to how lizards can regrow their tails. It has been used to reattach severed fingers, develop new fingertips and even regenerate the muscles of a wounded Iraq War veteran.

2. Spider silk genes inserted into goats

Spider silk is up to five times stronger than steel, but the problem has always been finding a way to harvest it in large quantities. In recent times, however, scientists have discovered a way to insert spider silk genes into goats in order for their milk to contain silk protein, which can then be harvested and used to create artificial limbs, bulletproof vests, and other products.

3. Brain cells grown in fetal mice
creepy-experiments

Human embryonic stem cells have been injected into the brains of fetal mice by scientists, and they found that these cells continued to develop alongside the mice’s own brain cells after they were born. It’s believed that such a technology can be used to advance research on human brain disorders and improve experimental medication testing in the near future.

4. RFID implants inserted into humans

The American Food and Drug Administration recently approved the implantation of radio-frequency identification chips in human beings, opening the door to prisons, hospitals and companies using such chips to track people’s locations, medical history and even grant or deny access to rooms and documents. In fact, correctional facilities are already using them to monitor the location and behavior of inmates.

5. Extinct animals returning from the dead
creepy-experiments

Okay – this hasn’t actually happened yet, but this is being attempted as we speak. For instance, the genetic material of a Tasmanian tiger, a species that has been extinct since 1936, has been spliced with the DNA of a lab mouse. Similarly, scientists are hard at work developing a 21st-century woolly mammoth using 10,000-year-old blood that has been well-preserved.

 

6. Electrodes implanted into beetles for surveillance purposes

This one is probably the creepiest on the list. DARPA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, has funded scientists at the University of California to implant electrodes into giant flower beetles. Doing this has allowed them to signal to the beetles remotely and make them turn, take off or even hover in mid-flight. DARPA aims to use the creepy-crawlies to assist with search and rescue missions and government surveillance.

7. Human proteins in cow’s milk
creepy-experiments

A Dutch biotech company has genetically engineered cow’s milk to contain the human protein, lactoferrin, which is most commonly found in human breast milk. This protein is excellent at boosting the immune system, and even fighting off a wide range of infections. The aim of this research is to create dairy products infused with this protein so that people can reap the health benefits from it.

8. Lab-grown meat

The meat industry is responsible for much of the greenhouse gas emissions that are emitted into the world’s atmosphere every day, so imagine if meat could be grown without actual animals having to be slaughtered. This possibility has arisen from the researchers being able to use pig stem cells to grow pig muscle cells. The only stumbling block is that the muscle tissue does require exercise in order to become palatable.

9. Humanoid robots in space
creepy-experiments

Spacewalking is risky for astronauts that need to leave the confines of a spacecraft to conduct repairs, as well as conduct menial or life-threatening tasks in a spacecraft’s interior. That’s why NASA developed the Robonaut, a robotic torso that worked on the International Space Station for a number of years. The Robonaut is due to return to Earth for repairs this spring.

10. Biomass-munching robots

A robot named the Energy Autonomous Tactical Robot has the ability to consume biomass with its claws and chainsaws and turn it into steam energy via a steam furnace. It’s funded by an agency of the US Department of Defense, which hopes to use the robot to perform long-range missions without needing to refuel manually.

11. Lasers to make the Earth invisible
creepy-experiments
Astronomers at Columbia University are looking into the possibility of cloaking the entire Earth using lasers to make it invisible in the event of an alien invasion. They proposed that by using lasers to counteract the dimness of the sun, it would be possible to hide the Earth from anyone looking. What’s more is that they believe that we have the technology to do it.
 
Next Post
Sign Up for Free Daily Posts!
Did you mean:
Continue With: Facebook Google
By continuing, you agree to our T&C and Privacy Policy
Sign Up for Free Daily Posts!
Did you mean:
Continue With: Facebook Google
By continuing, you agree to our T&C and Privacy Policy