In an innovative development, Swedish scientists have achieved a major milestone in the field of biotechnology and neuroscience. For the first time, researchers have created a ‘living’ computer using human brain tissue. This revolutionary advancement was done by a Switzerland-based startup named FinalSpark. In this article, we will explore the science behind this pioneering research, how it works, and a lot more. For more such interesting articles visit The Healthcare Insights.
Introduction
The concept of living computers has been around for quite some time now. Now, Swedish scientists have created the world’s first ‘living computer’ and it is made out of human brain tissue. It is composed of 16 organoids also called clumps of brain cells. Organoids are tiny, self-organized three-dimensional tissue cultures made from stem cells. They were grown in a lab, which can send information to each other or among themselves.
How it works
These work organoids more or less like a traditional computer chip. They can send and receive signals through their neurons that act like circuits. But what makes them different is that the living machine consumes less energy, whereas living neurons can use over one million times less energy than the currently used digital processors.
Researchers have also compared the efficacy of these organoids with some of the most advanced computers, like the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Frontier. They found that the human brain can function at similar speeds and has 1,000 times more memory, all while using just 10 to 20 watts of energy. In stark contrast, high-end computers consume 21 megawatts.
An interesting aspect of this technology is its training method involving dopamine. When the organoids accomplish their tasks, they receive dopamine as a reward. This is delivered through light stimulation, similar to the natural release of dopamine in the human brain.
Development of Living Computer
The innovative technology of Living Computer was developed by the team of a startup company FinalSpark, this company focuses on biological neural networks to create novel solutions. Dr Fred Jordan, Co-CEO of FinalSpark said,’ We call it ‘wetware’ – I don’t know who created the word – but the brain is between software and hardware,’
The scientists’ team collected organoids, small samples of human brain tissue that are derived from neural stem cells, and placed them in a special environment that keeps stem cells alive. These were cultivated for about one month until they formed features like neurons. In the next stage, the team built FinalSparks mini-brains, from an estimated 10,000 living neurons and about 0.5 mm in diameter.
These mini-brains are surrounded by eight electrodes that measure activity in the organoids and perform the functions that stimulate the organoids along with recording the data they process. Later they took these mini-brains to specialized electrodes and performed computer processing along with digital analog conversions. Then transformed the neural activity into digital information.
Preservation and Lifespan
The organoids are kept in a small device, a microfluidic incubator, which delivers nutrients, acting like a mini plumbing system to keep the cells alive. This mini incubator helps to keep the organoids at body temperature and provides a suitable environment that is free of viruses and bacteria by automating the flow of cellular media.
The cells in the ‘living computer’ have a lifespan of about 100 days, during which they exist in a three-dimensional organoid structure. Despite their limited lifespan, these cells are quite similar to those present in real human brains, in their electrical activity.
The FinalSpark team has currently launched the Living computer as an online platform. Here researchers can remotely conduct experiments on biological neurons in vitro.
Conclusion
To conclude, The creation of the world’s first ‘living’ computer using human brain tissue by Swedish scientists marks a significant milestone in biotechnology and computing. This pioneering research opens new ways for advancements in medical research, artificial intelligence, and data processing.