Advances in Biological Computing: Human Brain Cells Play Doom

Recent advancements in biological computing have led to remarkable experiments where human brain cells and insect brains are being utilized in novel ways. In Melbourne, Australia, the startup Cortical Labs has successfully taught a petri dish containing 200,000 human brain cells to play the classic video game Doom. This achievement follows their earlier success in 2022, where they demonstrated that lab-grown neurons could play Pong. The process involves reprogramming white blood cells into induced pluripotent stem cells, which are then cultivated into neurons on a glass chip. Cortical Labs CEO Hon Weng Chong explained that the neurons can interface with computer systems through electrical signals, allowing them to respond to game stimuli.

The Guardian

In a parallel development, Eon Systems in San Francisco has recreated a virtual fruit fly by scanning its brain and emulating its behavioral wiring. This digital insect, equipped with 140,000 neurons, can perform actions typical of a real fly, such as walking and flying, without any prior training. Michael Andregg, CEO of Eon Systems, noted that this challenges the assumption that intelligence must be learned, as much of the fly's behavior appears to be innate.

The Guardian

The mechanisms by which the brain cells learn to play Doom remain partially understood. Sean Cole, a contributor to the project, indicated that the neurons respond to game states through a process of encoding, where game information is converted into signals that the neurons can interpret. While the neurons exhibit learning behavior, Cole emphasized that they are not conscious, as they initially struggled to perform tasks and only began to exhibit more complex actions over time.

The Guardian

Chong expressed aspirations for future applications of biological computing, particularly in the field of medicine. He highlighted the potential for using this technology to model diseases, such as epilepsy, allowing for drug testing on neurons grown outside the body. This could lead to personalized medicine tailored to individual patients.

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The advancements in biological computing raise ethical questions regarding the implications of such technology. Concerns include the potential for overriding human memories or consciousness if similar techniques are applied to humans. Cole acknowledged these risks while discussing the broader implications of connecting biological computing to human cognition.

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Looking ahead, both Cortical Labs and Eon Systems envision a future where biological computing could revolutionize various fields. Chong suggested that biological systems might enhance robotics, enabling machines to navigate complex environments more effectively. Meanwhile, Andregg noted that the ultimate goal is to create emulations that feel indistinguishable from natural biological systems.

The Guardian

• “As soon as we managed to get Pong to work, the first thing people said was: ‘When are you going to do Doom?’” — Hon Weng Chong, CEO of Cortical Labs

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• “If you think about how humans operate, we have information going into our retina, which is converted into electrical signals, processed in the brain, and then an output happens,” — Hon Weng Chong

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• “I definitely don’t think it’s conscious.” — Sean Cole, Contributor to Cortical Labs

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• “Our goal is to make the emulation and computed brain and body feel indistinguishable from the natural biochemical body and brain,” he continues.” — Michael Andregg, CEO of Eon Systems

The Guardian

The intersection of biological computing and artificial intelligence presents both exciting possibilities and significant ethical challenges, marking a pivotal moment in scientific exploration.

The Guardian