In a groundbreaking development, a startup based in Melbourne, Australia, is pushing the boundaries of technology by creating bio-computers made from human brain cells. This innovative approach, known as “wetware,” is the brainchild of Brett Kagan and Hon Weng Chong, who have been exploring the potential of human neurons to interact with and enhance computational processes.
Housed within a nondescript office park in Melbourne’s north, the startup’s lab features a black server cabinet containing what appear to be conventional computers. However, these devices are unique, as they incorporate a delicate matrix of human brain cells within a small glass Petri dish, pulsating with electrical activity. These are the first commercially available human-computer hybrids.
The Birth of Biological Computers
Three years ago, Kagan and Chong achieved a significant milestone by teaching a cluster of human neurons to play the simple video game Pong. This experiment laid the groundwork for their current venture, Cortical, which now offers the world’s first commercially available bio-computer. The CL1, as it is known, holds neurons that were donated by volunteers, including Chong himself, and cultured from stem cells.
These neurons are genetically programmed to form connections, communicating through spindly axons. Cortical’s researchers engage with the neurons by sending electrical pulses, receiving responses in return. “These are very talkative,” remarks Kagan, the chief scientific officer, as he observes the real-time electrical activity displayed on a screen.
Applications and Challenges
Several CL1 units have already been sold, including to a cryptocurrency company. Other potential applications include teaching neurons to control robots or create music and art. Some undergraduates are even attempting to teach the neurons to play the video game Doom. To facilitate these diverse uses, Cortical has developed a software layer that allows developers to write Python code directly to the neurons.
However, the journey is not without its challenges. Critics argue that while the concept of wetware is intriguing, it may not surpass the capabilities of traditional silicon-based computers. An anonymous AI researcher noted that human neurons might struggle to achieve the scale required for complex tasks, stating, “It’s not going to be more robust than silicon. And it’s going to be way more expensive.”
Understanding the Science
Despite the skepticism, Cortical remains focused on advancing the field of biological computing. The team has published over a dozen basic science papers in the past three years, emphasizing the importance of understanding the fundamental input-output relationships of neurons. “The key thing is to understand what underpins all of it,” says Kagan. “We could do another Pong, but if we don’t understand the input-output relationship, it’s just gimmicks for the sake of gimmicks.”
Collaborating with Monash University’s associate professor Adeel Razi, Cortical is also exploring the unique ability of human neurons to generalize skills across different tasks, a capability that current AI systems lack. “We can use our skills to learn new skills,” explains Razi.
The Future of Bio-Computing
In the short term, Cortical’s bio-computers serve as valuable tools for basic brain-cell research and drug testing. By manipulating neurons to mimic various diseases, researchers can test drug candidates’ efficacy. A recent study published in Communications Biology demonstrated that an anti-seizure drug could improve performance in neurons mimicking a disorder linked to epilepsy.
With a team of 25 people and additional manufacturing support in Malaysia, Cortical has produced 150 bio-computer units. They raised $10.6 million in a 2023 capital raising, led by Horizons Ventures, and received a $250,000 grant from the Australian government. However, Kagan acknowledges the need for further support, stating, “We love Melbourne, we love Australia. The reality is, unless there is some movement to show government loves us back, you can only go so far.”
The development of bio-computers represents a significant step towards engineering intelligent biological devices. As Cortical continues to refine its technology, the potential applications of wetware could revolutionize fields ranging from artificial intelligence to medicine, offering a glimpse into a future where human neurons and computers work seamlessly together.
