January 22, 2008
Super Cockroaches!
Think you've seen some big cockroaches around here? Apparently there are far superior critters in space! It's being reported that some cockroaches were conceived in space late last year onboard the Russian Foton-M bio satellite and are developing faster than the common terrestrial ones we see scurrying about the city. Some "highlights":
- Limbs and bodies grow faster
- Run faster, and are much more energetic and resilient
- Can give birth several times after one impregnation
Thanks, Russia.
The experiment is ongoing and part of an Institute of Biomedical Problems study; the roaches (and other small animals) were sealed in containers and filmed during the flight. Wired describes this as "a giant leap forward into our understanding of how gravity impacts conception and development." And, of course, a leap forward in understanding how an army of mutant cockroaches will return to earth and enslave the human race. Gothamist, for one, looks forward to welcoming our new insect overlords!
[via Boing Boing]




This could be the key to solving the impending food shortage problem, as more croplands switch to cultivate for "green" ethanol. Soylent Brown, anyone?
i'd like to tie this into nyc news-- can someone add a bedbug or hipster reference?
Sure, mutant cockroaches today, tomorrow...Alien. The Russians must be stopped!
I once knew a teacher who was absolutely convinced that the killer bees were a Communist plot to kill us all. Now with these cockroaches, she's starting to look a bit more sane.