Imagine a computer that learns and adapts, using minimal energy, and is partly made of living human brain cells. It sounds like science fiction, but the world’s first commercial system combining silicon chips with human brain cells is here and available for rent or purchase, opening up wild new possibilities for research.
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This isn’t just another chip; it’s a biological-synthetic hybrid called the CL1, developed in a British lab. It uses actual neurons to process information in ways traditional computers can’t easily replicate, offering a glimpse into ultra-efficient and potentially more adaptable computing.
What Exactly is the CL1 “Biological Computer”?
At its core, the CL1 is a system built around 800,000 lab-grown human neurons living on a silicon chip. Think of it as a miniature brain connected to standard computer hardware. This unique setup allows the biological cells to communicate with electronic signals, acting as processors in a way traditional chips don’t.
Developed by Australian biotech company Cortical Labs in partnership with bit.bio, the CL1 builds on earlier research where brain cells were taught to play the simple video game Pong. This new commercial version takes that concept further, creating a platform researchers can actually use.
Microscope image showing networks of brain cells on a silicon chip electrodes
Why Use Brain Cells? The Incredible Potential
You might wonder why researchers would go to the trouble of growing neurons for computing. The answer lies in the incredible capabilities of biological intelligence, refined over billions of years.
- Mind-Blowing Energy Efficiency: This is perhaps the most immediate advantage. While modern AI data centers consume vast amounts of electricity – sometimes compared to the power usage of small countries – a rack of CL1 machines uses only about 1,000 watts. Neurons are incredibly efficient processors compared to silicon.
- Natural Learning and Adaptation: Unlike traditional software that needs explicit programming, neurons are naturally capable of learning and adapting in real-time. Cortical Labs points out that neurons are “self-programming” and “infinitely flexible.” In tests, these cell cultures even outperformed some machine learning algorithms in certain tasks.
- Direct Biological Interaction: The system responds almost instantly to electrical signals sent from a computer. These signals are translated into inputs the neurons can understand and react to.
More Than Just a Computer: A Research Tool
While the CL1 isn’t going to replace your laptop or power massive data analysis like an AI supercomputer (at least, not yet), its greatest potential lies in unlocking new types of research.
Because it uses real human neurons, the CL1 offers an unprecedented platform for:
- Neuroscience Research: Scientists can study how brain cells process information, form connections, and learn in a controlled environment.
- Drug and Treatment Testing: The system can potentially be used to test how different drugs or treatments affect neural activity and learning. For example, researchers found that adding anti-epileptic drugs to cell cultures helped improve their learning capabilities, highlighting its use for understanding neurological conditions.
- Exploring Biological Computing: It provides a tangible way to explore the concept of “wetware” – using biological materials for computing – and understand its possibilities and limitations.
Close-up view of densely packed neural culture on a multi-electrode array surface
Getting Your Hands on Biological Computing
So, how can you access this groundbreaking technology? The first CL1 units are expected to be available soon.
Researchers and institutions will reportedly be able to purchase a unit for US$35,000. For those who need access for specific projects without the full investment, remote access can apparently be rented for $300 per week.
There are still challenges, of course. The neurons in the CL1 system currently only survive for about six months, requiring the living component to be replaced periodically. However, the energy-saving potential and the unique research opportunities this biological-synthetic hybrid offers make it a fascinating and important step forward in computing and neuroscience.
This development blurs the lines between biology and technology, opening up exciting avenues for understanding the human brain and creating future generations of highly efficient, adaptable computers.
- Related: Scientists Built a Functional Computer With Human Brain Tissue
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