Scientists Connect 16 Mini Brains to Create a “Living Computer”
NEUROSCIENCE/BRAIN SCIENCE Switzerland-based startup FinalSpark has unveiled a revolutionary computer processor constructed from 16 mini brains derived from human brain tissue. This "living computer," reported by Tom's Hardware, is being touted as …
Switzerland-based startup FinalSpark has unveiled a revolutionary computer processor constructed from 16 mini brains derived from human brain tissue. This "living computer," reported by Tom's Hardware, is being touted as a groundbreaking alternative to traditional silicon-based computing.
The Neuroplatform, as it's called, allows researchers to remotely access and conduct studies on this biocomputer, providing a novel resource for artificial intelligence research, which typically demands vast computational power.
Energy Efficiency and Environmental Benefits
"One of the biggest advantages of biological computing is that neurons compute information with much less energy than digital computers," explained Ewelina Kurtys, a FinalSpark scientist and strategic advisor, in a recent blog post. Kurtys noted that living neurons can operate using over a million times less energy than current digital processors.
How It Works
FinalSpark creates these mini brains, or brain organoids, from human neural stem cells. These organoids are maintained in a specialized environment to keep them alive and functional. They are then connected to electrodes that enable them to perform computational tasks, converting neural activity into digital information.
The Future of Biocomputing
The concept of living computers isn't entirely new. For instance, last year, scientists successfully connected neurons to electrical circuits to create a device capable of voice recognition. However, FinalSpark's approach, leveraging the significant energy efficiency and lower carbon footprint of biological computing, represents a notable advancement.
"This is one of the reasons why using living neurons for computations is such a compelling opportunity," Kurtys highlighted. "Beyond potential improvements in AI model generalization, we could also reduce greenhouse emissions without hindering technological progress."
Potential and Collaboration
FinalSpark aims for its Neuroplatform to become a central tool for advancing biocomputer research, positioning it as the future of AI computing. As the demand for data center resources grows, coupled with increasing concerns over carbon emissions and water usage, this innovative approach offers a promising solution.
For more on this topic, read about how a computer made from human brain cells can perform voice recognition.
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