Turtles to test wireless network

Two scientists from the University of Massachusetts, Mike Jones and Matt Garber, used a combination of orthodontic cement and duct tape to attach a postcard-sized waterproof computer to a turtle8217;s shell.

By: AP
Deerfield | July 5, 2007 12:00 AM IST

1 min read

Two scientists from the University of Massachusetts, Mike Jones and Matt Garber, used a combination of orthodontic cement and duct tape to attach a postcard-sized waterproof computer to a turtle8217;s shell. After christening the 16th male turtle found in the area as 8220;M16,8221; Jones scribbled some information about the turtle8217;s shell markings and set the snapper free in to the swamp.

In this experiment taking place along the Deerfield River in western Massachusetts, two otherwise unrelated groups of researchers are working together: computer engineers like Garber who are testing a new wireless communication network, and biologists like Jones who are tracking snapping turtles8212;a species they worry may be headed for decline as land development shrinks their habitat.