Australian biotech startup Cortical Labs has successfully programmed 200,000 human brain cells to play the video game Doom, showcasing the potential for biological processors to outperform conventional silicon chips.
Cortical Labs, an Australian biotechnology startup, has achieved an intriguing milestone by programming 200,000 living human brain cells to play the classic video game Doom. This experiment marks a significant step in exploring the capability of biological processors, which have shown to learn games faster than traditional silicon-based artificial intelligence. By growing these brain cells on a matrix of microelectrodes, researchers have created a hybrid system that blends biology with technology, illustrating a novel approach to computing.
The experiment not only demonstrates the learning potential of biological systems but also raises implications for the future of computing. Scientists believe that the advancements in biological computing could lead to the creation of energy-efficient computers that mimic biological processes. Imagine a computer chip that not only functions as a processor but can also breathe, feed, and learn—transforming our understanding of what computers can be and do.
As this research progresses, it opens up new avenues for artificial intelligence and neuroscience, exploring the intersection between living cells and computational technology. The potential applications of such technology could be revolutionary, changing how we think about computing and interaction with digital environments, while posing ethical questions regarding the use of living cells in technological advancements.
