Scientists have made a groundbreaking step towards the future of computing by combining the fields of biology and artificial intelligence to create what’s being termed a “biocomputer.” This innovative approach involves using lab-grown brain tissue, or brain organoids, as a form of biological hardware for computing systems.
Brain organoids are three-dimensional cultures of brain cells that, although not actual mini-brains, share essential aspects of brain function and structure. These organoids are proving to be promising in the field of biocomputing because of their capability to mimic key cognitive functions like learning and memory. Unlike traditional cell cultures that are flat, brain organoids have a 3D structure, allowing for a significantly higher density of neurons and more connection points.
One exciting development in this field is the work being done at Cortical Labs, where researchers have successfully demonstrated that biocomputers based on human brain cells can interact with living biological neurons in a way that leads to intelligent behavior. For instance, they developed a flat culture of brain cells that learned to play the video game Pong, showcasing a basic level of organoid intelligence (OI).
The concept of OI, or organoid intelligence, is being pursued as a new frontier in biocomputing. It promises significant advances in computing speed, processing power, data efficiency, and storage capabilities, all with lower energy needs compared to conventional silicon-based computers. This new field could potentially transform the way we approach computing, making it more efficient and powerful.
Furthermore, this technology could be instrumental in studying personalized brain organoids developed from skin or small blood samples of patients with neural disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. This would allow for more targeted investigations into how genetic factors, medicines, and toxins affect these conditions.
The potential of organoid intelligence in biocomputing is immense, offering a glimpse into a future where biology and technology merge to create more advanced and efficient computing systems.