Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of biocomputing. They have successfully created a “biocomputer” using lab-grown human brain tissue and electronic circuits. This incredible invention is capable of performing tasks such as voice recognition.
In a recent paper published in the journal Nature Electronics, the researchers describe how they transformed bundles of human cells, known as “organoids,” into neurons. These organoids were then paired with electronic circuits, resulting in a system aptly named “Brainoware.”
The aim of this project is to establish a connection between artificial intelligence (AI) and organoids. Coauthor and University of Indiana bioengineer, Feng Guo, explained that they wanted to explore whether the biological neural network within the brain organoid could be utilized for computing. The human brain’s remarkable efficiency and speed in processing information served as inspiration for this research.
The ultimate goal is to have brain-inspired biological computers perform tasks on behalf of conventional AI systems. Additionally, this development provides scientists with an exciting new avenue for studying the human brain.
To test their creation, the team conducted a series of experiments. They connected their organoid mini-brain to a plate containing thousands of electrodes. By sending data in the form of electric pulses to the organoid, they were able to “decode” its output using a machine-learning algorithm.
Remarkably, after feeding Brainoware 240 recordings of eight individuals speaking, the team achieved voice recognition. Each person’s speech triggered unique neural activity in the organoid. Once the AI was trained on these responses, Brainoware successfully identified the original speaker 78 percent of the time.
This breakthrough not only opens doors for brain-inspired computers but also presents new opportunities for studying the human brain and neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s. By replicating the brain’s architecture in a lab setting, researchers can gain valuable insights into its workings.
However, scaling up these mini-brains to perform more complex tasks may prove challenging. Cultivating the necessary cells is an expensive and labor-intensive process. Nevertheless, this development is a significant step forward in the field of biocomputing and paves the way for future advancements.
For more information on biocomputers, check out the article “Scientists Working to Build Biocomputers Out of Lab-Grown ‘Minibrains'” on Futurism.