Here’s what’s good about cockroaches

Wow! When Science harnesses (literally) the insect world, things are getting complicated. 

Seems we haven’t yet taken on board how fundamental normal insect life is to our own status and wellbeing as humans, and yet we’re saddling up cockroaches with electronic devices so that they can be used to check hazardous radioactive sites, and monitor the environment. 

Scientists are fitting them with leg-control electrodes connected to backpacks containing ultrathin solar panels to ensure batteries stay charged while the insect pursues its mission, as devised by the scientists. 

No doubt it’s a win win strategy. 

I don’t think many people really like cockroaches and it might help them get a better reputation for themselves, and inadvertently for many more of the ignored insect species. 

Bees always get a good wrap because their role in pollination is well known and of course everyone likes honey, but in truth there are thousands more species of insects, among them ants, which help protect the environment for us humans. 

My novel for young teenagers, Azita and Me, explores, among other things, the life of ants and the value they offer as protectors, nurses to other insect and plant species.  

Find out about Azita and Me here.