In a breakthrough for biological computing, human neurons grown in a lab have learned to play the classic video game Doom in just one week.
The experiment was conducted using CL1, a world-first programmable biological computer developed by Cortical Labs. By integrating living brain cells onto a silicon chip, researchers have created a hybrid system capable of processing information in real-time.
Key Highlights of the Experiment:
- The Hardware: The CL1 chip acts as a bridge between biological neurons and digital code.
- The Software: Developers used a custom API to program the chip using Python.
- The Process: The game's video feed was converted into electrical stimulation patterns. These signals allowed the neurons to "perceive" the game environment.
- The Result: Within seven days, the neurons learned to react to in-game stimuli, performing actions such as moving and shooting.
This project demonstrates the potential of "wetware"—biological hardware—to perform complex computational tasks. As biological computers evolve, they may offer more energy-efficient alternatives to traditional AI processing.
