The fear of robots replacing humans has long been a staple of science fiction and dystopian narratives. However, Swedish scientists have recently made a groundbreaking advancement by creating the world’s first ‘living computer’ using human brain tissue. This development marks a significant shift in our computing paradigm, leveraging the efficiency and complexity of biological systems to surpass the limitations of traditional digital processors.
This innovative living computer comprises 16 organoids, clusters of lab-grown brain cells that communicate similarly to traditional computer chips. These organoids transmit and receive information through their neurons, acting as circuits. Notably, this living machine boasts incredible energy efficiency.
The human brain outperforms even the most advanced computers, such as the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Frontier. It operates at the same speed, has 1,000 times more memory, and consumes only 10 to 20 watts of power, compared to the Frontier supercomputer’s 21 megawatts (21 million watts). This stark contrast highlights the potential of biological computing to revolutionize the technology industry by offering a more sustainable and efficient alternative to current technologies.
FinalSpark, a company specializing in solutions utilizing biological neural networks, spearheaded the development of this living computer. Dr. Fred Jordan, co-CEO of FinalSpark, emphasized the originality of the research, noting that the concept was once confined to science fiction. The creation of these organoids represents a significant step toward making science fiction a reality.
Organoids are tiny, three-dimensional tissue cultures composed of stem cells that self-organize. These cultures can be programmed to replicate the complexity of an organ or to express specific traits, such as creating particular cell types. FinalSpark’s mini-brains were grown from approximately 10,000 live neurons, each about 0.5mm in diameter. These organoids are trained with dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with reward and pleasure in the human brain. When the organoids complete tasks correctly, they receive a dopamine reward via light stimulation, mimicking real brain activity. The mini-brains are equipped with eight electrodes that monitor activity within the organoids, allowing researchers to control neural activity and program brain-like structures. This capability opens new research and application opportunities, potentially transforming fields such as artificial intelligence and neuroscience.
The implications of this research are profound. By harnessing biological processes, it is possible to create computing solutions that are not only more energy-efficient but also capable of replicating the human brain’s complexity. This could lead to significant advances in machine learning, data processing, and the development of new types of artificial intelligence. As we enter a new era in computing, the creation of living machines prompts us to rethink our relationship with technology. Rather than fearing a robot-dominated future, we could envision a world where biological and digital intelligence coexist, enhancing our abilities and addressing some of today’s most pressing challenges. The living computer is more than a scientific marvel; it represents a paradigm shift in how we perceive and interact with machines, paving the way for a future where the boundaries between biology and technology increasingly blur.
