Biocomputers made of human neurons

The scientific community is exploring how to manufacture super efficient devices using biological hardware. Biocomputers inspired in nature, processors made of human nerve cells… Fascinating projects under a newly coined umbrella term: organoid intelligence. OI to supplement AI.

For some time, biologists have worked with engineers and programmers in the field of 'natural computing', in an effort to create a new generation of more sustainable computers inspired by nature. Studies on these "living machines," the so-called biocomputers, have been perfected over the years.

For example, Professor Dan Nicolau of McGill University (Canada) has created an electronic system based on adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule present in all living organisms that supplies energy to all cells. In this case, the usual electrons in electronic circuits are replaced by small protein chains that use ATP as a propellant.

This same approach also applies to artificial intelligence (AI) with processors made from human nerve cells. A team of scientists from Johns Hopkins University (USA), together with other research institutes, has developed a project - presented in a paper in the journal Frontiers in Science - which describes the process to create a device based on biological hardware: cultivated human neurons, called brain organoids or brain-on-a-chip.

OI is artificial intelligence with a "human touch"

“We have called this new interdisciplinary field organoid intelligence (OI)," explains the lead researcher, Thomas Hartung. “A community of brilliant scientists is working to implement this concept. We believe it will usher in a new era of efficient, fast and powerful bioinformatics,” says the scientist.

The creation of artificial organs (heart, kidneys, pancreas, etc.) is a technique that has been used for years; however, for the brain, things are a bit more complex, although there have been significant advances in recent years. In 2019, a study published in the journal Stem Cell described the creation of a mini-brain by a group of researchers at the University of California. It was capable of displaying cerebral activity very similar to that of the brains of children born prematurely. In 2021, another mini-brain, created by the startup Cortical Labs, managed to "play" the video game Pong.

Brain organoids are not exactly mini-brains, but they share many aspects and characteristics with them, especially in terms of structure and functionality, including engaging in (elemental) cognitive activities such as learning and memorization. Why use an imitation of a human brain to build a computer? Hartung's answer is that “traditional computers are very good at manipulating numbers, but the brain is much better at learning information.”

Imitating the human brain

In addition, the human brain is much more efficient. The researchers explain that the energy used to train the AI AlphaGo, which defeated a human in chess, was higher than that required to feed a person for ten years. Finally, in terms of the calculation and data storage capacity, there is no comparison whatsoever. “The brain has an incredible capacity, on the order of 2,500 terabytes, whereas we are reaching the physical limits of silicon, as we cannot fit more transistors on chips,” warns Hartung.

There are still many challenges to overcomepremièred 36 years ago. According to the scientist, “first of all, we have to enlarge the size of the brain organoids. At the moment, each of them contains about 50,000 cells and we have to get to at least 10 million.” In addition, all the technologies for interacting with the organoids, i.e., to send them information and read what they are "thinking," still have to be developed

“Last August - the researcher continues - we developed a brain-computer interface device that is a kind of electroencephalogram for organoids. It works like a flexible cap covered with small electrodes that can communicate, pick up and send signals.” We believe that organoid intelligence is heralding in a new technological revolution, with a long way to go. However, the research is maturing rapidly and starting to attract investors. What seems intangible, a mere desire, will soon bear fruit.

Chart with outlook for the sales value of humanoid robots in the global market

Download the BBVA app in Switzerland

Beyond AI: biocomputers made from human neurons

Contents

For some time, biologists have worked with engineers and programmers in the field of 'natural computing', in an effort to create a new generation of more sustainable computers inspired by nature. Studies on these "living machines," the so-called biocomputers, have been perfected over the years.

The best of both worlds

OI is artificial intelligence with a "human touch"

Imitating the human brain