merging of human and machine has taken another step forward as researchers have built "biocomputer". Bioengineers at University of Indiana in USA have combined laboratory-grown human brain tissue with microelectrodes. scientists have dubbed their creation Brainoware. It is in its embryonic stage of development, but it can already perform complex tasks such as voice recognition. Lead researcher Dr Feng Guo hopes his softer-than-usual software will help to advance AI technologies. It could also mean AI hardware uses far less energy than solely using silicon chips. Dr Guo said: "This is just proof-of-concept to show that we can do job. We still have long way to go."
The researchers said their Brainoware system utilizes "organoids". These are artificially grown bundles of tissue and stem cells that resemble organ. Dr Guo said his team's organoids are like mini-brains. They have transformed and developed neurons, akin to those found in human brain. The researchers say their next step is to investigate how Brainoware can be adapted to undertake higher-level tasks. technology could one day be used to create improved models of brain, and move neuroscience research forward. It could also lead to cures for neurological diseases. One major challenge for researchers is to find solutions for how to keep living tissue alive.
