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Neuron-Powered Chips: Revolutionizing Computing with Living Brain Cells

2/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Cortical Labs has built neuron-powered computer chips from over 800,000 living brain cells, programmable in Python, and capable of playing Doom.
The systems learn faster than silicon-based approaches, though they still lag skilled human players.
Experts say the achievement brings biological computers closer to practical uses, including robotic-arm control.
Still, researchers question how these neurons process information and interact with their environment.

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Story summary

Cortical Labs has built neuron-powered computer chips from over 800,000 living brain cells, programmable in Python, and capable of playing Doom.
The systems learn faster than silicon-based approaches, though they still lag skilled human players.
Experts say the achievement brings biological computers closer to practical uses, including robotic-arm control.
Still, researchers question how these neurons process information and interact with their environment.