Using human brain cells, scientists have created what is being heralded as the first living computer that “thinks,” marking a significant advancement in the field of unconventional computing. Created by the Australian startup Cortical Labs and marketed under the CL1 name, this innovative gadget combines conventional silicon circuitry with living, lab-grown human neurones, a combination that could lead to new discoveries in the fields of artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and neuroscience.
Cultivating Life on a Chip:
About 800,000 human neurones that are generated from adult skin or blood cells are used by the CL1. These neurones are kept in a closed-loop system and are grown directly on a silicon chip. To keep the neurones alive and functioning, the environment is meticulously regulated to provide nutrition, control temperature, filter waste, and maintain fluid levels.
Dynamic Neural Processing:
Unlike traditional silicon-based processors that rely on predefined logical operations, the living computer processes information through electrical pulses generated by the neurons. These cells communicate with each other in real time via sub-millisecond feedback loops, creating a dynamic and adaptive network that can respond to various stimuli. This setup mimics the natural functioning of a human brain far more closely than any conventional computer.
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A Research-Focused Platform:
The primary goal of the CL1 is not to replace standard computing systems but to serve as a versatile experimental tool. Researchers can use the platform to study neural behavior, adaptative learning, drug responses, and even simulate neurological lesions. By observing how the neural circuit adapts to different inputs, scientists hope to gain valuable insights into both brain function and new computational models.
Revolutionizing Neuroscience and AI Research:
With the ability to operate as a “living” neural network, the CL1 offers an opportunity to explore the principles of biological intelligence in a controlled, hardware-supported environment. This could pave the way for more sophisticated models of brain function and possibly lead to breakthroughs in treating neurological disorders.
Cost and Accessibility:
Each CL1 unit is set to retail for around $35,000, with discounts available for bulk purchases or via cloud-based access. Although each unit can remain viable for up to six months, the relatively low power consumption (ranging between 850 to 1,000 watts per server rack) makes it an energy-efficient research tool compared to conventional AI data centers.
Ethical and Practical Considerations:
While the platform opens exciting avenues for research, it also prompts discussions about the ethical use of human-derived cells for computational purposes. Cortical Labs emphasizes that the cells used are cultivated in the lab and lack any form of consciousness, yet these concerns will likely shape future regulatory frameworks as the technology evolves.
The advent of the CL1 living computer represents an innovative fusion of biology and digital technology potentially transforming our understanding of computation and the workings of the human brain. It challenges the traditional boundaries between living organisms and machines, setting the stage for future systems that could integrate the best of both worlds.