In a move that might unsettle germaphobes, scientists have developed a highly unusual solution to combat children's excessive screen time and neglect of their toys. The invention, named SquidKid, is being described as an 'organic Tamagotchi' that contains live bacteria which children are tasked with keeping alive.
A Living Pet in Your Palm
Unlike the classic 90s digital pet, Tamagotchi, the SquidKid challenges children to care for a genuinely alive companion. Kids must diligently provide food, oxygen, and constant agitation to prevent their bacterial colony from perishing. The toy draws direct inspiration from the Hawaiian bobtail squid and its unique symbiotic relationship with bioluminescent bacteria.
The reward for diligent care is a mysterious, ethereal glow emitted by the thriving bacteria. The toy even features an interactive, squeezable tentacle that pumps air into the water. This action not only provides essential oxygen to keep the bacteria alive but also stimulates them, causing a flurry of glowing activity.
The Science Behind the SquidKid
Deirdre Ni Chonaill, part of the team from Northeastern University behind the project, characterised the SquidKid as a miniature 'bioreactor'. A bioreactor is a controlled environment designed to maintain perfect conditions for microorganisms like bacteria to grow. While commonly used in breweries and pharmaceutical production, this is a novel application for a children's toy.
Mr Ni Chonaill explained the core concept: 'Kids don't always treat their toys very well. With Tamagotchi, there are times where if you ignored it, it died. In this case, you're actually killing something.' The fundamental needs of the bacteria are straightforward: oxygen, food, appropriate temperatures, and agitation to keep the mixture homogeneous.
Overcoming Safety and Educational Hurdles
The scientists faced significant challenges during development, including some 'disastrous' experiments where their bacterial colonies were contaminated. In one alarming incident, the team had to use an electron microscope to confirm their bacteria had not been infected with E. coli, some strains of which can cause serious illness.
However, the team assures that these issues have been resolved, and the specific bioluminescent bacteria used, Vibrio fischeri, are non-pathogenic, posing no risk of infection. With safety concerns addressed, the SquidKid stands as a powerful educational tool.
Katia Zolotovsky, Assistant Professor of Design and Biotechnology at Northeastern University, emphasised its broader lessons: 'SquidKid, it's not only microbiology. It's also teaching kids how to take care of the environment and then learn biology, mutualism and environmental interdependence.'
Despite winning the Outstanding Display prize in the 2025 Biodesign Challenge, the SquidKid remains a prototype with no current plans for commercial production. It joins other innovative twists on the Tamagotchi format, such as the Sleepagotchi and the controversially designed Vape-o-Gotchi.
