World's First Living Computer with Human Brain Tissue Created in Sweden

In a groundbreaking leap forward for science and technology, Swedish researchers have created the world's first 'living computer' using human brain tissue. 

This innovative development marks a significant milestone in the intersection of biology and computing, promising potential advancements that could revolutionize the way we understand and utilize both fields.

The team of scientists achieved this feat by cultivating 16 organoids, which are clusters of brain cells grown in a laboratory setting. 

These organoids function similarly to traditional computer chips, exchanging information through their neurons in a manner akin to electronic circuits. 

The primary distinction, however, lies in their astonishingly low energy consumption. 

Unlike conventional digital processors, living neurons can operate using more than a million times less energy, showcasing an efficiency that far surpasses current technology.

To illustrate the potential of this biological computing system, consider a comparison with one of today's most advanced supercomputers, the HP Enterprise Frontier. 

When matched for speed and equipped with 1,000 times more memory, a human brain operates at a mere 10 to 20 watts of power. 

In stark contrast, the supercomputer demands 21 megawatts to function—a staggering difference, as one megawatt equals one million watts. 

This dramatic disparity highlights the immense efficiency and potential of using biological components in computing.

The living machine was developed by scientists at FinalSpark, a company that specializes in solutions based on biological neural networks. 

Dr. Fred Jordan, co-CEO of FinalSpark, shared with the Daily Mail that while the concept of living computers is popular in science fiction, there has been limited real-world research on it until now. 

The team's creation of mini-brains from an estimated 10,000 living neurons, each about 0.5mm in diameter, represents a pioneering venture into this uncharted territory.

Organoids are small, self-organizing three-dimensional tissue cultures derived from stem cells. 

These cultures can be engineered to replicate much of the complexity of an organ or to express specific characteristics, such as producing particular cell types. 

The process begins with the cultivation of stem cells over approximately a month, during which they develop neuronal features. 

The resulting mini-brains, or organoids, are then utilized to form the core of this living computer.

Training these organoids involves the use of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with reward and pleasure in the human brain. 

When the organoids perform tasks correctly, they receive a dose of dopamine as a reward. 

This is administered by shining light on specific areas of the brain organoid, mimicking the natural activation and dopamine release seen in human brains. 

This method of training enhances the organoids' ability to perform and adapt, further bridging the gap between biological and digital computing.

The mini-brains are surrounded by eight electrodes that measure activity within the organoids. 

Researchers can send electrical currents through these electrodes to influence the neurons, effectively guiding and controlling the organoid's functions. 

This capability allows scientists to harness the biological computing power of the organoids, opening up new avenues for research and application.

The creation of the world's first living computer using human brain tissue represents a paradigm shift in our approach to computing and neuroscience. 

By merging biological and digital realms, this innovation holds promise for unprecedented advancements in efficiency, energy consumption, and computational power. 

As researchers continue to explore and refine this technology, the potential applications could transform industries and redefine the future of computing.