AI made with human brain cells

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The world of artificial intelligence is evolving rapidly, with innovations that push the boundaries of what we once thought possible. At the forefront of this evolution is FinalSpark, a Swiss startup that has developed a groundbreaking biocomputing platform known as Neuroplatform. This platform is not just another advancement in AI—it represents a fundamental shift in how we approach computing, merging biology with technology in a way that could redefine the future of AI.

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What Is Neuroplatform?

Neuroplatform is a biocomputer that uses human brain organoids—tiny clusters of neurons—as processing units. These organoids are cultivated from human stem cells and consist of about 10,000 neurons each, approximately 0.5 millimeters in diameter. Unlike traditional silicon-based processors, these brain organoids are alive, requiring specific environmental conditions to survive. They are housed in incubators that maintain body temperature, supply necessary nutrients, and protect them from contamination.

The organoids are connected to silicon chips via a network of fine electrodes. These electrodes serve a dual purpose: they transmit electrical signals to the organoids to stimulate their neurons and simultaneously record the responses from these neurons. This setup mimics the way our brains process information, using electrical impulses to communicate within the neural network.

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How Does It Work?

The innovation doesn’t stop at merely connecting neurons to a computer. FinalSpark has developed a method to "train" these brain organoids using a combination of electrical stimulation and chemical rewards. The platform can flood the organoids with dopamine—a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward—when they perform tasks correctly. This process encourages the neurons to form new pathways, much like the learning process in the human brain.

This training capability could eventually allow these biocomputers to perform complex tasks traditionally handled by CPUs (Central Processing Units) and GPUs (Graphics Processing Units). The implications are significant, as these biological processors are potentially far more energy-efficient than their silicon counterparts. According to FinalSpark, Neuroplatform could lead to AI systems that require up to a billion times less energy than current technologies—a critical advantage as the world grapples with the environmental impact of energy-hungry data centers.

Applications and Research

Neuroplatform is already being used by researchers at top institutions worldwide. Universities such as the University of Michigan and Lancaster University in Leipzig are exploring different aspects of biocomputing. For instance, the University of Michigan team is investigating how to create an organoid-specific computer language by studying the electrical and chemical prompts that alter organoid activity. This could lay the groundwork for a new kind of computing language, one based on biological processes rather than binary code.

Lancaster University is focusing on how these organoids can fit into existing models of AI learning. Their research aims to determine whether these biocomputers can outperform traditional silicon-based AI systems in specific tasks, particularly those that require high levels of energy efficiency and adaptability.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

While the potential of Neuroplatform is immense, several challenges remain. One of the most significant is the lifespan of the organoids, which currently averages around 100 days. This limitation poses a hurdle for long-term projects and commercial scalability. Additionally, the ethical implications of using living brain cells in computing cannot be ignored. Questions about sentience and the moral status of these organoids are still largely unanswered, and this area of research is likely to provoke considerable debate as it progresses.

Furthermore, the technology is still in its infancy. While Neuroplatform offers a fascinating glimpse into the future, it’s important to recognize that we are far from seeing these biocomputers replace traditional processors in everyday applications. However, as research continues and the technology matures, we could see these living computers play a crucial role in the next generation of AI, particularly in areas where energy efficiency is paramount.

The Future of Biocomputing

FinalSpark’s Neuroplatform is not just a technological innovation; it’s a potential paradigm shift in how we understand and utilize computing power. By integrating living biological matter with traditional silicon-based systems, Neuroplatform offers a new path forward in the quest for more efficient, powerful, and adaptable AI. As research continues and the technology evolves, we may find that the future of computing is not just about faster processors and bigger data—it's about harnessing the incredible potential of life itself.

In the years to come, biocomputing could transform not only AI but also fields like medicine, environmental science, and beyond. FinalSpark’s Neuroplatform is just the beginning, offering a tantalizing glimpse into a future where the lines between biology and technology are increasingly blurred.