Scientists at Cortical Labs have made an eye-catching breakthrough: they’ve trained human brain cells on a microchip to play the classic game Doom. This exciting experiment marks a unique intersection of biology and technology.
The team used their CL1 biological computer, which hosts about 200,000 living human neurons grown on a special chip called a multi-electrode array. This setup allows the neurons to receive signals from a computer and respond with inputs that control the game.
Cortical Labs explained that this work builds on previous success with lab-grown neurons playing Pong. But Doom is a different beast. Its 3D graphics and added challenges make it a more complex task for the neurons. “To bridge that gap, we needed to translate the digital world of Doom into the biological language of neurons, which is electricity,” they noted in a video released on February 25.
In this process, gameplay is converted into electrical patterns that stimulate various areas of the neuronal network. For example, when an enemy appears on the screen, specific electrodes activate that part of the neuron culture. The neurons then respond with signals that translate into movements or shooting commands in the game. “If the neurons fire in a particular way, Doomguy shoots. If they fire differently, he moves right,” the researchers explained.
While the neurons can learn and adapt in basic ways, their gaming skills are still quite rudimentary. “Is it an esports champion? Absolutely not. Right now, the cells play like a beginner who’s never seen a computer,” they said.
This research opens doors to exploring how biological systems can interact with digital environments. Experts point out that translating digital tasks into biological responses might help us understand neural learning in greater depth.
Interestingly, Doom has a rich history since its release in 1993. It has been adapted for countless platforms and has even inspired various experiments, such as simulating the game using gut bacteria. While the concept of neurons playing a video game is groundbreaking, it raises questions about the future of biocomputing and artificial intelligence.
Surprisingly, social media has buzzed with reactions to this experiment. Many users expressed both fascination and concern about the ethical implications of using biological systems for gaming. This blend of tech and biology ignites conversations about the boundaries of science and ethics.
As the field of neurotechnology evolves, experiments like these could lead to discoveries that reshape how we think about computing and consciousness. It’s an exciting time to watch how our understanding of the brain intersects with technology.
For more details on this research and its implications, you can check out the related study here.
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