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Biological computer with living neurons promises to transform the future: the fusion between human brain and artificial intelligence is closer than we imagine

Written by Deborah Araújo
Published 22/01/2025 às 08:48
Biological computer with living neurons promises to transform the future The fusion between human brain and artificial intelligence is closer than we imagine
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Technology inspired by the human brain is advancing rapidly, combining living neurons with artificial intelligence to create machines that learn, evolve, and redefine our future. Discover how this will impact the world!

Imagine a future where computers not only process information like machines, but learn, adapt and evolve, just like a human brain. Sounds like science fiction? Well, this reality is already under construction with advances in the creation of biological computers, a technology that uses living neurons to achieve levels of intelligence never seen before. And the best part: these innovations promise to transform not only the way we understand artificial intelligence, but also how it impacts our daily lives.

What is a biological computer and how does it work?

A biological computer is essentially a system that combines living cells with technology to process information. Unlike traditional computers that use silicon chips and consume enormous amounts of energy, this approach is inspired by the workings of the human brain.

To give you an idea, the brain is capable of performing an exaflop of operations (one quintillion!) per second using just 20 watts of energy. In comparison, today's artificial intelligence systems require an absurd amount of energy to achieve something much less efficient.

With projects like DishBrain, developed by the startup Cortical Labs, researchers are connecting living neurons to computer systems. These neurons learn to perform simple tasks, such as playing the classic Pong game, using a high-bandwidth interface that connects cells directly to computers.

How Living Neurons Transform Artificial Intelligence

What makes living neurons so revolutionary is their ability to self-learn and adapt. While traditional AI systems rely on pre-programmed algorithms, neurons can organize themselves independently.

In the case of DishBrain, the researchers created an interface where the cells were stimulated to control a paddle in the game of Pong. For each mistake, they received “punishments” with unpredictable signals, something they naturally avoid. In just five minutes, these cells began to hit the ball, showing a rudimentary form of learning.

This approach has applications far beyond gaming. Imagine a future where biological computers can learn and adapt to complex problems in real time, using far less energy and offering more creativity and intuition than current artificial systems.

Ethics and the challenges of computing with living neurons

While advances in creating a biological computer are exciting, they also raise ethical questions. After all, we are talking about systems that use living cells. Could these T can be explored without crossing ethical boundaries?

Fortunately, projects like DishBrain use cells grown in a lab, without causing human or animal suffering. This makes the process more ethical and sustainable, and opens the door to exciting applications, such as models for neurological research and drug testing.

And speaking of medicine, DishBrain is already being used as a sort of “tiny brain in a lab.” It could be a powerful tool for studying neurological diseases, testing new drugs, and even better understanding how the human brain works.

What is the free energy principle and why does it matter?

Another important concept behind biological computation is the free energy principle, introduced by neuroscientist Karl Friston. This principle explains how the brain makes predictions about the world around it based on internal models. In other words, our brains constantly make assumptions about what we perceive and adjust these assumptions as new information comes in.

This same mechanism is being applied in artificial intelligence systems based on living neurons. Just like the human brain, these systems learn to minimize uncertainty and make the world more predictable, which could lead to a leap in the way we understand and use artificial intelligence.

Why biological computing could outperform silicon chips?

Currently, AI and conventional computers rely on expensive, bulky hardware and consume a lot of energy. Biological computers, on the other hand, have several advantages:

  1. Energy Efficiency: They consume much less power than silicon-based systems;
  2. Self-learning: Just like the human brain, they can learn and adapt without relying on constant reprogramming;
  3. Greater creativity and intuition: Based on organic neural networks, these systems can offer insights closer to human thinking.

These characteristics make biological computers a promising alternative to overcome the limitations of traditional computing and reach more advanced levels of intelligence.

More organic and adaptive artificial intelligence

With the advancement of biological computers and the use of living neurons, artificial intelligence is becoming more and more like biology. This opens up incredible possibilities for technology, from smarter, more efficient systems to new methods of understanding the human brain.

As Dr Adeel Razi from Monash University said: “We are just scratching the surface of what is possible. These mini brains give us a glimpse of how we can harness biological intelligence to transform technology, healthcare and society as a whole.”

The future of computing, it seems, will be less about machines trying to imitate the brain and more about real brains teaching machines. Are you ready for this revolution?

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Raphael
Raphael
22/01/2025 18:56

For me, this project borders on perversion, because imagine if this “human brain” comes to the conclusion that it is trapped in a machine and wants to free itself. That is suffocating to even think about. It is terrible! Horrendous!

mark
mark(@adsndr-com)
Member
23/01/2025 02:32

It seems debatable. They are not even considering the negative implications of this. They only publicize the positive points.

Last edited 21 days ago by mark
James
James
23/01/2025 12:45

Interestingly, we have to think about the negative aspects. Knowing that love, empathy and affection are motivated by chemical reactions intrinsic to the reproductive system and believing that these machines cannot reproduce, they would not have these feelings. So when they discover that, like all humans, they live to pass on genes and evolve... How will they make these machines? Kill humans and suck their neurons so that they can evolve? Just an idea that doesn't seem so far-fetched to me in the end...

Deborah Araújo

I write about renewable energy, automobiles, science and technology, industry and the main trends in the job market. With a close eye on global developments and daily updates, I am dedicated to always sharing relevant information.

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