Living Computers

Swedish scientists at FinalSpark have created the world's first “living computer”?made from human brain tissue. The Living Computer consists of 16 organoids, which are clumps of brain cells grown in a lab that exchange information with each other.

When comparing them with the best computers in the world, such as the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Frontier, scientists found that the human brain, at the same speed and with 1,000 times more memory, uses 10 to 20 watts- compared to a computer with 21 megawatts.

The organoids are trained with doses of dopamine (by shining light on a specific area of the brain) - when they perform tasks correctly, they receive a stream of the chemical as a reward.

Accelerating AI and AGI

The introduction of living computers could significantly impact the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and artificial general intelligence (AGI) in several ways:

1. Enhanced Computational Capabilities

• Biological Efficiency: Living computers, using lab-grown brain cells, could provide computational efficiencies far beyond current silicon-based processors. Their ability to process complex information using significantly less power could revolutionize the efficiency of AI systems.
• Parallel Processing: The human brain’s natural ability for parallel processing could be harnessed, enabling AI systems to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and more efficiently.

2. Improved Learning and Adaptability

• Neural Plasticity: Living computers could mimic the neural plasticity of human brains, allowing AI systems to learn and adapt in ways that are more flexible and efficient than traditional machine learning algorithms.
• Real-time Adaptation: These systems might be able to adapt in real-time to new information and changing environments, potentially leading to more robust and versatile AI applications.

3. Advancements in AGI

• Cognitive Models: Living computers could provide a more accurate model of human cognition, aiding the development of AGI that can understand, learn, and apply knowledge across a wide range of tasks and domains.
• Human-like Intelligence: By integrating biological components, AI systems might achieve levels of understanding and intuition closer to human intelligence, bridging the gap between narrow AI and AGI.

4. Ethical and Philosophical Implications

• Sentience and Consciousness: The use of living brain cells raises questions about the potential for sentience and consciousness in AI. This could lead to new ethical debates and considerations in the development and deployment of AI and AGI.
• Moral Responsibility: As AI systems potentially become more human-like, the ethical responsibility towards these entities will need to be re-evaluated, affecting how we develop and interact with AGI.

5. New Research Directions

• Interdisciplinary Research: The fusion of biotechnology and AI could open new interdisciplinary research avenues, fostering collaborations between neuroscientists, biologists, and AI researchers.
• Innovative Algorithms: Insights from biological neural networks could inspire the development of novel algorithms and architectures for AI, leading to more advanced and efficient learning models.

6. Practical Applications and Industries

• Healthcare: In healthcare, living computers could improve the precision of diagnostic tools, the effectiveness of personalized treatments, and the development of new therapies.
• Robotics: Enhanced AI capabilities could lead to more autonomous and adaptive robots, with applications ranging from industrial automation to personal assistants.
• Cognitive Computing: Living computers could advance cognitive computing, enabling machines to perform tasks that require human-like understanding and reasoning.

7. Challenges and Limitations

• Scalability: The scalability of living computers to handle large-scale AI applications remains a significant challenge, both technically and logistically.
• Cost and Accessibility: The high cost of developing and maintaining living computers could limit their accessibility and widespread adoption in the short term.
• Regulatory Hurdles: Ethical and regulatory hurdles could slow the integration of living computers into mainstream AI research and applications.

An Ethical Minefield for Regulators

Regulating living computers involves addressing a range of ethical, safety, and technological issues to ensure that their development and use are responsible and beneficial. Here are several areas where regulation will be necessary:

Ethical and Human Rights Regulations

1. Consent and Source of Cells: Regulations must ensure that human cells used to create cerebral organoids are sourced ethically, with informed consent from donors.
2. Sentience and Rights: Clear guidelines need to be established regarding the potential for sentience in living computers. If sentience is detected, there must be regulations to protect the rights and welfare of these entities.

Safety and Health Regulations

1. Biosafety Protocols: Comprehensive biosafety protocols should be implemented to prevent any biological hazards associated with handling and maintaining living computers.
2. Life Cycle Management: Guidelines for the ethical disposal and recycling of biological components of living computers should be established to avoid environmental contamination.

Technological and Operational Regulations

1. Integration Standards: Technical standards need to be developed for integrating living computers with existing digital infrastructure, ensuring compatibility and security.
2. Performance and Reliability: Regulations should mandate rigorous testing for the performance, reliability, and longevity of living computers before they can be deployed in critical applications.

Data Privacy and Security Regulations

1. Data Handling and Privacy: Rules must ensure that data processed by living computers is handled securely and in compliance with data privacy laws to protect sensitive information.
2. Cybersecurity Measures: Living computers must be protected against cyber threats, necessitating stringent cybersecurity standards and protocols.

Environmental Regulations

1. Sustainability: Regulations should promote sustainable practices in the production, maintenance, and disposal of living computers to minimize environmental impact.
2. Energy Consumption Reporting: Mandatory reporting on the energy consumption and efficiency of living computers to ensure they meet sustainability goals.

Research and Development Regulations

1. Ethical Review Boards: All research involving living computers should be subject to review by ethical boards to ensure compliance with established ethical standards.
2. Transparency in Research: Researchers must disclose their methodologies, findings, and potential conflicts of interest to maintain transparency and public trust.

Legal and Compliance Regulations

1. Intellectual Property: Clear guidelines on the intellectual property rights related to the development and use of living computers.
2. Compliance Monitoring: Regular audits and monitoring by regulatory bodies to ensure ongoing compliance with established regulations.

International Collaboration and Regulation

1. Global Standards: International collaboration to develop and harmonize global standards and regulations, ensuring consistency and cooperation across borders.
2. Cross-border Data Transfer: Regulations to manage the cross-border transfer of data processed by living computers, ensuring compliance with international data protection laws.

Public Engagement and Education

1. Public Consultation: Engaging the public in discussions about the development and use of living computers to address societal concerns and values.
2. Education and Awareness: Programs to educate the public and stakeholders about the benefits, risks, and ethical considerations of living computers.

Establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for living computers will require collaboration between scientists, ethicists, policymakers, and the public. This framework must be flexible enough to adapt to rapid advancements in technology while ensuring the ethical and safe development and use of living computers.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

We are entering into a fascinating era, where neuroscientists, biologists, AI researchers and ethicists will collaborate to make unprecedented advancements. By defining clear roles and fostering collaboration among these stakeholders, the interdisciplinary research ecosystem can effectively address the complex challenges and opportunities presented by living computers. This collaborative approach will drive innovation while ensuring ethical and responsible development.

Neuroscientists

• Understanding Brain Function: Provide insights into the mechanisms of brain function, neural plasticity, and synaptic processes to inform the development of living computers.
• Organoid Development: Lead the creation and refinement of cerebral organoids, ensuring they accurately mimic human brain tissue.
• Data Analysis: Analyze data from living computers to improve their design and functionality, and to ensure they operate in a manner similar to natural brains.

Biologists

• Stem Cell Research: Advance techniques in stem cell cultivation and differentiation to create reliable and functional brain organoids.
• Tissue Engineering: Develop methods for growing and maintaining viable, long-lasting organoids for use in living computers.
• Ethical Sourcing: Ensure ethical sourcing and handling of human cells used in organoid development, maintaining high standards of consent and biocompatibility.

AI Researchers

• Algorithm Development: Create algorithms that can effectively leverage the unique properties of living computers, enhancing their learning and processing capabilities.
• Integration: Work on integrating biological and digital components, ensuring seamless communication between traditional computers and living computers.
• Performance Optimization: Continuously optimize the performance of AI systems running on living computers, focusing on efficiency and scalability.

Ethicists

• Ethical Frameworks: Develop comprehensive ethical guidelines and frameworks to address the moral implications of using living computers, particularly concerning sentience and human rights.
• Regulatory Guidance: Work with regulatory bodies to create policies that ensure responsible development and use of living computers.
• Public Engagement: Facilitate public discussions and education on the ethical aspects of living computers, promoting transparency and informed decision-making.

Interdisciplinary Research Teams

• Collaborative Projects: Establish interdisciplinary research teams composed of neuroscientists, biologists, AI researchers, and ethicists to tackle complex challenges from multiple perspectives.
• Funding and Resources: Secure funding and allocate resources for interdisciplinary projects, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving breakthroughs.
• Shared Platforms: Develop shared research platforms and databases that allow seamless data exchange and collaboration across disciplines.

Academic Institutions

• Curriculum Development: Integrate interdisciplinary courses and programs that combine neuroscience, biology, AI, and ethics, preparing the next generation of researchers for collaborative work.
• Research Grants: Provide grants and funding specifically targeted at interdisciplinary research initiatives, encouraging collaboration across departments and fields.
• Conferences and Workshops: Host conferences, workshops, and seminars that bring together experts from various fields to share knowledge and discuss collaborative opportunities.

Industry Partners

• Technology Transfer: Facilitate the transfer of technology and knowledge from academic research to practical applications in industry.
• Product Development: Collaborate with researchers to develop commercial products based on living computer technology, ensuring ethical considerations are integrated into product design.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Form partnerships between private companies and public research institutions to pool resources and expertise for large-scale projects.

Government and Regulatory Bodies

• Policy Development: Create policies and regulations that support interdisciplinary research while ensuring ethical standards and public safety.
• Funding and Support: Provide funding and incentives for interdisciplinary research initiatives that aim to advance living computer technology.
• Oversight and Compliance: Monitor and enforce compliance with ethical guidelines and regulations, ensuring responsible development and deployment of living computers.

Closing Thoughts

The advent of living computers represents a transformative leap in technology, blending the realms of biology and computing in ways previously confined to science fiction. This innovation holds immense potential for advancing AI, enhancing medical research, and promoting sustainability. However, it also brings forth a myriad of ethical, technical, and regulatory challenges that must be carefully navigated.

As we move forward, it is important to consider the following questions:

• Ethical Considerations: How do we ensure that the development of living computers respects human dignity and ethical standards? What safeguards should be in place to protect potential sentient entities?
• Technological Integration: How can we effectively integrate living computers with existing digital systems while maintaining security and efficiency?
• Sustainability and Longevity: Given their short lifespan, how can we make living computers a practical and sustainable solution for long-term applications?
• Regulatory Frameworks: What kind of regulatory frameworks are needed to oversee the development and use of living computers, and how can we ensure they keep pace with technological advancements?