Scientists are building computers from human mini-brains: a peek inside a bio-lab

The Dawn of Biological Computing: Inside the Lab Crafting Brain-Based Processors

In a groundbreaking visit that blurred the lines between biology and technology, BBC journalists stepped into the cutting edge of scientific innovation. Correspondent Zoe Kleinman explored a Swiss laboratory where researchers are pioneering a revolutionary new frontier: computers powered by microscopic human mini-brains, or organoids. This venture, led by the company FinalSpark, marks a significant leap forward in bio-computing, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the future of processing power.

Organoids: The Next Generation of Processors?

At the heart of FinalSpark's work are organoids – miniature, lab-grown brain structures. While not identical to the complex architecture of a live human brain, these organoids are remarkably homogeneous, built from a single type of neural building block. The process of their creation is intricate: neural progenitors are first thawed, seeded, and proliferated in culture flasks before being differentiated in specialized dishes, ultimately being manually placed onto a bio-chip. This meticulous cultivation allows for the growth of various cell types, from skin cells to stem cells, which then mature into the neuronal clusters that form these nascent brain organoids. These are the very building blocks for what could be the next generation of computational devices.

Navigating the Challenges of Biological Hardware

The path to functional bio-computers is not without its formidable hurdles. Unlike the well-established silicon industry, the creation and maintenance of organoids present unique challenges. One of the most significant obstacles researchers face is replicating the sophisticated nutrient delivery system found in animal circulatory systems. This limitation currently restricts the lifespan of these organoids to approximately four months, a far cry from the longevity expected of traditional computing hardware. Despite these constraints, the scientists remain optimistic, emphasizing that these biological processors should not be feared but understood as simply computers built from a different substrate and material.

'Liquid' Software and Early Interactions

The development of software for these bio-computers is an equally fascinating endeavor. Researchers are creating what they term 'liquid' software, designed to elicit responses from the organoids to simple keyboard commands. Data input is facilitated through electrodes, allowing scientists to observe the brain's reactions, which are then visualized as graphs eerily reminiscent of EEG readouts. "We are still in the early stages of interacting with and controlling organoids," the researchers explained. "Therefore, online access to FinalSpark's bio-processor is currently advertised primarily as an attractive platform for bio-computing research." This focus on research underscores the nascent nature of the technology, even as its potential is widely recognized.

Beyond Computing: Medical Applications and Future Potential

While the pursuit of biological computing is a captivating narrative, these organoids also hold immense promise for traditional biological research. Pharmaceutical companies and research institutions are already employing these mini-brains to test the efficacy of new drugs targeting neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and autism. On the computational front, the anticipation is palpable. "Liquid" software is expected to unlock unprecedented speed and efficiency in data processing, particularly within the realm of artificial intelligence (AI). The prevailing sentiment is that bio-computing will not entirely supplant silicon-based technology but will instead act as a powerful, complementary force, enriching the computational landscape rather than replacing it entirely.