World’s First Bio-Computer Runs on Real Human Brain Cells

·  Cortical Labs’ CL1 is the first bio-computer that runs on living human brain cells, blending silicon with biological neurons.

·  The neurons, kept alive in a controlled environment, can process code, offering a new approach to AI and computing.

·  This tech could revolutionize medical research, enabling better disease modeling and drug testing while reducing animal testing.

·  Though promising, experts remain cautious, as CL1 has yet to prove its ability to handle complex real-world tasks.

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Imagine a computer that uses actual human brain cells to process information—sounds like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, right? But it’s not just a fantasy. Cortical Labs, an Australian startup, has launched the CL1, which they describe as the “world’s first code-deployable biological computer.” The device, about the size of a shoebox, is a major leap in bio-computing, running fluid neural networks powered by real human brain cells.

Cortical Labs made headlines back in 2022 by teaching human brain cells in a petri dish to play the classic video game Pong. But the CL1 takes things to the next level. This device hosts hundreds of thousands of tiny neurons cultivated in a nutrient-rich solution, spread across a silicon chip. Through a combination of silicon and living tissue, the CL1 allows scientists to “deploy code” directly to the neurons, opening up the possibility of solving problems that traditional computers can’t handle.

The CL1 is equipped with pumps, gas mixers, and temperature control to keep the neurons alive and functioning properly, essentially creating a “body in a box” for the brain cells. While it sounds like something out of The Matrix, the technology is very much real and could reshape how we think about computers and artificial intelligence.

One of the most promising applications for this tech is in medical research, especially for disease modeling and drug testing. Unlike traditional animal testing, which can fail to accurately predict human outcomes, the neurons in the CL1 can mimic the complexity of the human brain. This could lead to more reliable tests for neurological and psychiatric conditions. Cortical Labs hopes this bio-computer could replace some animal testing, providing a more ethical and effective solution for researchers.

For now, the CL1 isn’t trying to replace conventional AI, but to complement it. While current AI systems require vast amounts of energy, the neurons in the CL1 use only a tiny fraction of that power. This could open up new possibilities for energy-efficient computing, but there’s still a lot to learn about how these neurons can be trained to handle complex tasks.

The potential is there, but experts like University of Queensland biologist Ernst Wolvetang are cautious. While he’s excited about the rapid learning capabilities of the neurons, he believes we still need to see how they handle more complex tasks beyond something as simple as playing Pong.

The CL1 is a fascinating glimpse into the future of computing, and though it’s still in the early stages, it’s clear that bio-computing could soon change the way we approach technology and AI. For now, Cortical Labs has a lot to prove, but they’re on the cutting edge of something that could one day revolutionize the tech world.

Sources: Cortical Labs

Image Credit: Cortical Labs