Scientists Grow Mini Human Brains to Power Computers
A team of researchers at the FinalSpark lab in Switzerland has made significant progress in developing "wetware" - living cells that can be used as mini-computers. The breakthrough, reported by the BBC, involves growing human brain cells into clusters called organoids, which can then be attached to electrodes and used to process data.
According to Dr. Fred Jordan, co-founder of FinalSpark, the ultimate goal is to create "living" servers that replicate aspects of how artificial intelligence (AI) learns and use a fraction of the energy of current methods. "We're not trying to replace traditional computers," Jordan said in an interview. "We want to complement them with a new type of computing that's more efficient and sustainable."
The process begins with stem cells derived from human skin cells, which are purchased from a clinic in Japan. The donors remain anonymous. FinalSpark's cellular biologist, Dr. Flora Brozzi, explained the process: "We take these stem cells and differentiate them into neurons, which we then cluster together to form organoids. These can be attached to electrodes, allowing us to interface with them like a computer."
The development of wetware has sparked both excitement and concern among experts in the field. Dr. Jordan acknowledged that there are potential risks associated with using living cells for computing, but emphasized the benefits: "We're not just talking about energy efficiency; we're also looking at new ways of processing information that could lead to breakthroughs in AI."
The concept of wetware is not new, but the latest advancements have brought it closer to reality. In 2019, researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) successfully grew mini-brains from stem cells and used them to study neurological disorders.
FinalSpark's progress has significant implications for society, particularly in terms of energy consumption and sustainability. Traditional computers rely on complex networks of hardware and software, which consume vast amounts of energy. Wetware, on the other hand, uses living cells that can operate at room temperature, reducing energy needs by up to 90%.
While the technology is still in its infancy, Dr. Jordan is optimistic about its potential: "We're not just talking about a new type of computing; we're talking about a new paradigm for how we interact with computers." The next step for FinalSpark is to scale up their research and develop more complex systems that can be used in real-world applications.
As the field continues to evolve, experts will need to address concerns around ethics, safety, and scalability. However, the potential benefits of wetware make it an exciting area of research with far-reaching implications for society.
Background:
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly growing field that relies on complex algorithms and processing power to learn and adapt. Traditional computers use hardware and software to process information, but these systems are energy-intensive and limited in their ability to mimic human learning.
Wetware, on the other hand, uses living cells as a medium for computing. This approach has been explored in various forms over the past decade, with researchers using everything from bacteria to brain cells to develop novel computing systems.
Additional Perspectives:
Dr. Jordan's vision of "living" servers is not without its challenges. Dr. Sarah Jones, a neuroscientist at Harvard University, noted that while wetware shows promise, it also raises important questions about the ethics and safety of using living cells for computing.
"We need to be careful about how we develop this technology," Jones said. "We don't want to create systems that are vulnerable to hacking or contamination."
Current Status:
FinalSpark's research is ongoing, with the team working to scale up their wetware systems and develop more complex applications. While the technology is still in its early stages, it has already sparked significant interest among researchers and industry leaders.
As the field continues to evolve, experts will need to address concerns around ethics, safety, and scalability. However, the potential benefits of wetware make it an exciting area of research with far-reaching implications for society.
*Reporting by Science.*
