Organoid Intelligence – Will Future Computers Run on Human Brain Cells?

The idea of a biocomputer powered by human brain cells may sound like science fiction, but researchers at Johns Hopkins University believe it could become a reality within our lifetime. They propose a new field of study called “organoid intelligence,” in which lab-grown brain organoids are used as biological hardware to create a new type of computer that could push past the current limits of computing and artificial intelligence.

Organoids are tiny lab-grown tissue structures that resemble fully grown organs. Scientists have been using them for nearly two decades to study various organs without resorting to animal or human testing. The researchers at Johns Hopkins have been working with brain organoids, which are orbs the size of a pen dot containing neurons and other features that can sustain basic functions like learning and remembering.

By assembling brain cells into functional organoids, the researchers hope to build a futuristic computer powered by biological hardware. Such computers could potentially alleviate the energy consumption demands of supercomputing, which are becoming increasingly unsustainable. Despite the fact that computers process calculations faster than humans, brains are still much smarter in making complex logical decisions, like telling a dog from a cat.

According to Thomas Hartung, a professor of environmental health sciences at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Whiting School of Engineering, the brain is still unmatched by modern computers. He says that even the latest supercomputer in Kentucky, called Frontier, which is a $600 million, 6,800-square-feet installation, exceeded the computational capacity of a single human brain for the first time only in June of last year. However, it used a million times more energy.

It may take decades before organoid intelligence can power a system as smart as a mouse. But by scaling up the production of brain organoids and training them with artificial intelligence, Hartung foresees a future where biocomputers support superior computing speed, processing power, data efficiency, and storage capabilities.

The potential applications of organoid intelligence are vast. One area that could be revolutionized is drug testing research for neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegeneration. Brain organoids from typically developed donors could be compared to brain organoids from donors with autism to understand the underlying mechanisms of why patients have cognitive issues and impairments. The researchers also believe that organoid intelligence could open up new research avenues into how the human brain works and lead to novel fields of study.

To assess the ethical implications of working with organoid intelligence, the researchers have embedded a diverse consortium of scientists, bioethicists, and members of the public within their team.

In conclusion, the concept of a biocomputer powered by human brain cells is a groundbreaking idea that could revolutionize the field of computing and create new fields of study. While it may take decades before this becomes a reality, the potential applications of organoid intelligence are vast and could lead to significant advancements in drug testing, neuroscience research, and computing capabilities. However, it is essential to assess the ethical implications of this technology and engage in responsible research practices.

Source: Johns Hopkins University