Scientists make biocomputer with brain tissue

​Scientists make biocomputer with brain tissue

​The merging of human and machine has taken another step forward as researchers have built a "biocomputer". Bioengineers at the University of Indiana in the USA have combined laboratory-grown human brain tissue with microelectrodes. The scientists have dubbed their creation Brainoware. It is in its embryonic stage of development, but it can already perform complex tasks such as voice recognition. Lead researcher Dr Feng Guo hopes his softer-than-usual software will help to advance AI technologies. It could also mean AI hardware uses far less energy than solely using silicon chips. Dr Guo said: "This is just proof-ofconcept to show that we can do the job. We still have a long way to go."

​The researchers said their Brainoware system utilizes "organoids". These are artificially grown bundles of tissue and stem cells that resemble an organ. Dr Guo said his team's organoids are like mini-brains. They have transformed and developed neurons, akin to those found in the human brain. The researchers say their next step is to investigate how Brainoware can be adapted to undertake more higher-level tasks. The technology could one day be used to create improved models of the brain, and move neuroscience research forward. It could also lead to cures for neurological diseases. One major challenge for the researchers is to find solutions for how to keep the living tissue alive.

Multiple Choice

A machine has taken a step towards a biocomputer.

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Researchers mixes lab-grown brain cells with microelectrodes.

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The new biocomputer is called Brainyware.

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New biocomputers could require less energy than traditional computers

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Organoids are artificial tissue and stem cells that are grouped together

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• False

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The organoids in the research have neurons similar to those in our brain.

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• False

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The biocomputer can already perform higher level tasks

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• False

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Researchers are pondering how to keep the tissue alive

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• False