Brain-Powered Computers

They are using human brains as computers!?!

by While You Were Pooping

Today we're venturing into the cutting-edge world of biocomputing. Imagine a computer that doesn't just mimic the brain but actually utilizes real human brain tissue. Meet FinalSpark, a Swiss startup that's turning this sci-fi concept into reality with their groundbreaking Neuroplatform.

FinalSpark's technology is built around something called "human brain organoids." These aren't full human brains, but tiny clusters of brain cells, derived from human stem cells, about half a millimeter thick and boasting around 10,000 neurons each.

These organoids are integrated into a system via electrodes, forming what’s known as the Neuroplatform. This isn't your average computer setup; the platform stimulates these neurons, using methods like electrical impulses or chemical inducers like dopamine, teaching these mini-brains to perform specific tasks.

What's truly fascinating is the efficiency of it all. These brain tissue computers can process information with drastically less energy than traditional silicon-based computers—over a million times less energy, according to some reports. This isn’t just an advancement in technology; it's a potential revolution in energy consumption for computing.

The implications of such technology are vast. FinalSpark has made the Neuroplatform available for remote access, allowing researchers globally to experiment and innovate further. This collaborative approach not only speeds up the development of AI but also opens new avenues in medical research and neural understanding.

While still in its infancy, the applications of FinalSpark's brain organoid technology range from simple computational tasks to complex AI training models. This could mean a future where our data centers are not only more efficient but fundamentally different in makeup—less silicon, more cell.

As we stand on the brink of this new era in computing, one thing's clear—the line between biology and technology continues to blur, creating possibilities that were once deemed possible only in the realms of fantasy.

Why didn’t the brain want to start an argument?
 
It was afraid it might turn into a cere-brawl!

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