Imagine a computer that can think, learn, and adapt like a living being! Sounds like science fiction, right? But, Swedish scientists have just made it a reality by creating the world’s first-ever “living computer” using human brain tissues!
The world’s first living computer is developed by a team of researchers in Switzerland working at a Startup company called FinalSpark. This could reshape the future of computing, particularly in fields requiring sophisticated cognitive abilities, such as brain-computer interfaces and neuroplatform development.
This blog post explores the world’s first living computer, its implications, and how it could shape the future of computing. For more such interesting articles, visit Trending Script
Table of Contents
What is the World’s First Living Computer?
The term “living computer” refers to an advanced neuroplatform that incorporates biological components—specifically, brain organoids or lab-grown human brain cells—into computing systems. These bio-computers are powered by actual living cells, offering exceptional computational power and efficiency compared to traditional silicon-based systems.
Says FinalSpark’s Co-founder Fred Jordan.
“As far as I know, we are the only ones in the world doing this”
FinalSpark’s Role in the Living Computer
FinalSpark, a Swiss startup is the visionary and mastermind behind this project. The company has developed a platform called Neuroplatform, which houses 16 brain organoids, mini replicas of lab-grown human brains, to perform computing tasks.
These organoids communicate with each other, transmitting and receiving signals through their neurons, which act as biological circuits, merging biological processes with computational capabilities.
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An illustration of MEA, where the 32 electrodes are visible as 4 sets of 8 electrodes each.
Ewelina Kurtys, scientist & advisor at FinalSpark wrote in a company blog post
“One of the biggest advantages of biological computing is that neurons compute information with much less energy than digital computers,”
Dr. Fred Jordan, Co-CEO of FinalSpark, emphasizes the significance of this development, states:
“We are not just creating computers; we are redefining what it means to be alive.” The company’s innovative approach, known as “wetware,” combines hardware, software, and biological elements to create a unique computing system.
The Neuroplatform: A Game-Changer in Biocomputing
FinalSpark’s Neuroplatform is a crucial component of the living computer, it’s essentially a biological processing unit. This platform allows researchers worldwide to conduct remote experiments on these biological neurons, fostering collaboration and advancing the field of AI research. The company has already gathered interest from over thirty universities, indicating the growing excitement surrounding this technology.
The Neuroplatform has been opened to institutional users for research and development purposes at a cost of $500 per user per calendar month, Tom’s Hardware reported.
The Neuroplatform’s multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) are a crucial component of the living computer. In each MEA, four brain organoids are connected to eight electrodes, enabling simulation, data recording, and processing with a digital-analog converter. This innovative system has amazingly extended the organoids’ operational life from a few hours to an impressive 100 days.
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How Does a Living Computer Work?
Traditional computers rely on binary logic and transistors to process information. In contrast, the first living computer operates with living brain organoids that function similarly to human neural networks. Each brain cell (neuron) is capable of transmitting and processing information through a network of synapses, much like a human brain does.
But what makes biocomputer different is that living machine consumes less energy, however living neurons can consume over one million times less energy than the presently used digital processors.
This dynamic network can learn, adapt, and even respond to external stimuli, leading to what scientists refer to as brain-computer integration.
Fred Jordan said,
“Our principal goal is artificial intelligence for 100,000 times less energy”
Unlike regular computers, which process data sequentially, this brain-run system uses parallel processing, similar to the way human brains process multiple streams of information simultaneously. The lab-grown human brain computer model demonstrates higher adaptability, learning capacity, and efficiency, especially for complex tasks like pattern recognition, decision-making, and problem-solving.
Key Features of the Living Computer:
- Biological Processing: The living computer processes information through the activity of neurons, which communicate via synapses, much like a human brain.
- Learning Ability: This system can learn and adapt over time, enhancing its problem-solving capabilities and efficiency.
- Ethical Considerations: The creation and use of lab-grown brains raise significant ethical questions, particularly regarding consciousness and the rights of these biological entities.
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Applications and Impact of the Bio-Computer
The potential applications of the world’s first living computer are wide-ranging and transformative. From improving AI systems to enabling more advanced robotics and enhancing computer-brain interfaces, the possibilities are immense.
Healthcare & Medicine:
- Living computers could modernize medical research by providing insights into neurological diseases and disorders such as Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, and autism. They can simulate human brain activity, enabling researchers to test treatments in a controlled environment.
Since these bio-computers mimic actual brain processes, they offer a unique opportunity to study how diseases affect brain function. Moreover, researchers can test treatments directly on lab-grown human brains, providing faster and more accurate results than animal models or traditional cell cultures.
Artificial Intelligence:
- Current AI systems, though highly sophisticated, are limited by the linear nature of their computations. By integrating brain-like structures into computing systems, we could develop AI systems that are more inherent and capable of understanding complex human emotions and behaviors.
This would provide machines with the kind of cognitive flexibility that even the most advanced systems today lack.
Cognitive Computing:
Another promising application lies in cognitive computing, where machines aim to simulate human thought processes. With living brain organoids, machines could not only perform cognitive tasks but also learn and adapt to changing environments in real-time, making them useful in fields such as cybersecurity, where constant modifications is necessary.
Expert Opinions on Biological Computers
Experts in the field have expressed different opinions on the implications of the world’s first living computer.
Dr. Kevin Warwick, a prominent researcher in the field of cybernetics
“The future of computing is not just about silicon; it’s about understanding the biological processes that govern intelligence.”
Dr. Christof Koch, a neuroscientist known for his work on consciousness, remarked:
“Understanding the brain is the key to unlocking the next generation of intelligent machines.”
The Role of Switzerland in Bio-Computing
Switzerland has become a global hub for living computer development, largely due to its advanced research facilities and innovative technology sectors. The country’s researchers were among the first to successfully grow human brain organoids in the lab, giving them a head start in the race to develop functioning brain-computers.
Their efforts in lab-grown human brain computer systems have caught the attention of the global scientific community, establishing Switzerland as a key player in the field of bio-computing.
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The Future of Brain-Computer Interfaces
The development of the brain computer is closely tied to the evolution of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). These technologies enable direct communication between the brain and external devices, facilitating control without physical interaction.
A recent research report estimates that the global brain-computer interface (BCI) market, valued at $1.74 billion in 2022, is projected to grow significantly, reaching $6.2 billion by 2030 with a compound annual growth rate of 17.5%.
Challenges and Ethical Considerations
While the first living computer marks a technological triumph, it raises several ethical and practical concerns. How do we balance innovation with moral responsibility when dealing with living tissue? Should brain organoids be treated like computers, or do they warrant the same ethical considerations as human brains?
Furthermore, scalability remains an issue. The mini brain computer systems being developed today, are still far from the computational power needed for everyday use. To truly replace traditional computing, researchers must overcome several hurdles in scaling these systems for real-world applications.
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What Is Brainoware?
Brainoware, developed by Swiss startup FinalSpark, is a groundbreaking living computer that combines electronic circuits with real human brain tissue. It connects to living, pulsing brain cells and operates with significantly lower energy consumption than traditional digital processors.
How Does Brainoware Work?
Brainoware integrates spherical clusters of lab-grown human brain cells called organoids. These organoids are connected to electrodes and a microfluidics system, creating a unique brain-machine interface. The method facilitates data transfer and reception for the organoids.
What Are Brain Organoids?
Brain organoids are 3D cell masses of brain tissue grown from human stem cells. They mimic the structure and function of the human brain on a smaller scale.
How Are Brain Organoids Used in Biocomputing?
Researchers use Multi-Electrode Arrays (MEAs) to house brain organoids. Each MEA holds multiple organoids, interfaced by electrodes for both stimulation and recording.
What Makes Brainoware Unique?
Brainoware combines electronic and live neurons, providing a venue for state-of-the-art AI research. Enclosed in a microfluidic chamber, brain organoids live in ideal living conditions.
How Is Human Brain Tissue Used in Computing?:
Brainoware’s integration of human brain tissue allows it to process information more efficiently. Unlike traditional digital processors, it operates with minimal energy consumption.
Why Use Lab-Grown Brain Cells
Lab-grown brain cells (organoids) allow researchers to study brain-like behavior in controlled environments. They bridge the gap between biology and computing.
Final Thought
The world’s first living computer isn’t just a technological miracle; it represents a marvelous shift in our understanding of intelligence, consciousness, and the potential of biological systems. Continuing to explore the capabilities of lab-grown brains and their integration into computing, we must remain aware about the ethical considerations that accompany such advancements.
Whether it’s advancing AI, revolutionizing healthcare, or simply offering new ways to process information, living computers will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the next generation of computing.
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