Scientists propose the development of a biological computer which will be powered by millions of human brain cells that they say could outperform silicon-based machines while consuming far less energy.
An international team, led by Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, published in the journal Frontiers in Science on Tuesday a detailed road map to what they call "organ-like intelligence".
The “hardware” will include arrays of brain organoids (miniature three-dimensional neural structures to be grown from human stem cells) connected to sensors and output devices, all trained with machine learning, big data and other techniques.
The goal is to develop a highly efficient system that can solve problems beyond what conventional digital computers can solve, while helping the development of neuroscienceand other areas of medical research.
The project's ambitions are reflected in more advanced quantum computing, but raise many ethical questions around the "consciousness" of the brain's organelles.
"I expect an intelligent dynamic system based on synthetic biology, but not limited by the many functions that a brain has to serve in an organism," said Professor Thomas Hartung of Johns Hopkins, who has assembled a community of 40 scientists to develop the new technology.
They have signed a "Baltimore Declaration" calling for more research "to explore the potential of organoid cell cultures to advance our understanding of the brain and unleash new forms of biocomputers while recognizing and addressing the associated ethical implications."
