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A significant scientific breakthrough: Scientists construct the world’s first “living computer” utilizing human brain tissue.
In Sweden, a groundbreaking fusion of technology and neuroscience has led to the creation of the world’s first “living computer,” constructed using human brain tissue.
This pioneering achievement revolves around 16 organoids—tiny clusters of lab-grown brain cells that communicate akin to conventional computer circuits. What sets this living system apart is its remarkably low energy consumption; living neurons require over a million times less energy than contemporary digital processors.
Researchers conducted comparative studies between these brain-based organoids and cutting-edge computers like the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Frontier. Surprisingly, they found that the human brain can match comparable speeds while boasting 1,000 times more memory, consuming a mere 10 to 20 watts of energy, in stark contrast to the 21 megawatts used by high-end computers.
This revolutionary technology is the brainchild of the FinalSpark team, a company dedicated to leveraging biological neural networks for innovative solutions.
The organoids themselves represent sophisticated three-dimensional tissue cultures derived from stem cells. The developmental process spans approximately a month, during which the stem cells evolve into neuron-like structures. Each mini-brain in the experiment comprises around 10,000 neurons, each about 0.5mm in diameter.
An intriguing aspect of this technology lies in the method of training the organoids, utilizing dopamine as a reward mechanism. Upon successful completion of tasks, the organoids receive dopamine as a reward, administered through light stimulation mimicking natural dopamine release in the human brain.
The setup involves encasing the organoids in a structure surrounded by eight electrodes. These electrodes not only measure activity within the organoids but also enable researchers to influence neuronal behavior by applying currents through them.
