A couple of years ago, a company named Cortical Labs shared a jaw-dropping video showing human neurons in a petri dish playing a simple game of Pong. Fast forward to today, and they’ve taken things to another level: now, those neurons can play Doom.
In a sleek marketing video, Cortical Labs shows off their CL-1 neural computing system. This microchip hosts 200,000 human neurons, all working together in a setup called a “multi-electrode array.” For comparison, the human brain has around tens of billions of neurons, showcasing how complex and powerful our own minds really are.
The video is astonishing. It’s not just that the chip is running Doom; the neurons are actually controlling the gameplay. Specific electrical patterns stimulate the neurons, leading to gameplay actions. For example, if the neurons fire in one way, the character shoots; if they fire differently, the character moves right.
The visuals are something to behold; microscope images reveal a beautiful interplay of neuron webs intertwined with sleek circuitry—an image that feels like it stepped out of a sci-fi movie.
But here’s the twist: the neurons are learning. Right now, they play like total beginners, but they’re still in the early stages. Neurons possess a quality called plasticity, which allows their networks to adapt. With time, who knows? They could become quite skilled at gaming.
Interestingly, while the footage references Doom, the neurons are actually playing Freedoom, a version built on the Doom engine. This is due to copyright laws preventing the use of the original game’s iconic elements.
This technology raises many questions. Who provides these neurons? Do they contain someone’s DNA? We might see situations similar to that of Henrietta Lacks, where human cells contribute to complex systems without consent.
Cortical Labs also announced the “Cortical Cloud,” which lets developers experiment with the CL-1 through an API. While this collaboration is commendable, there’s an uneasy feeling about how the neurons might be used—perhaps in unexpected ways down the line.
In a broader context, the intersection of biology and technology is captivating. According to a report by the National Institutes of Health, brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are an emerging field that could significantly impact industries from medicine to gaming. As BCIs develop, ethical considerations regarding consent and usage will become crucial topics.
This blend of neuroscience and technology opens up amazing possibilities but also challenges us to think more deeply about the implications of our advancements.
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