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The CL1: the first code deployable biological computer

corticallabs.com

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Re: The CL1: the first code deployable biological computer

#12

Post by nine_k »

throwanem wrote: post #8
nine_k wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Since one batch of neurons is expected to survive "up to 6 months", there should be a way to reload it with new neurons. So neuron sourcing should be a recurring concern. The site says: «Real neurons are cultivated inside a nutrient rich solution, supplying them with everything they need to be healthy. They grow across a silicon chip»; this seems to mean that replacing the neurons would require special skills and kno…

See those three fluid inlets on the back in the render? Or what look a lot like quick-disconnect hose fittings, at least, and no wonder; this is among other things a life support system for brain tissue, and will minimally need to maintain hydration and exhaust waste. Operating the machine at all will certainly require engineering and environmental services only feasibly available in a professionally staffed and main…

Yes, this is a given. I mean that replacing neurons may require a specific knowledge of this machine, and procedures unique to it.

If I were to create such a machine, I'd make the whole top part replaceable, with the bottom part electronic-only. When your neuron culture runs its course, you detach the top part and ship it back to the maker, and buy a new one, with a fresh culture, at a discount. They recycle the top parts by cleaning them and re-populating them with new neurons. The sourcing liability is on them, as is quality control.

Re: The CL1: the first code deployable biological computer

#16

Post by Aaronstotle »

Very interesting, I had to re-read it a few times to make sure it was real and not some elaborate prank. I actually wrote a Philosophy paper where there was a computer that had a biological component, and this is almost exactly what I had in mind, very neat to see that there is a company out there making it.

Re: The CL1: the first code deployable biological computer

#20

Post by skulk »

The Thought Emporium, a YouTube channel, has some videos that demonstrate how something like this could be built:

Growing Rat neurons to play DOOM (unfinished): part 1 -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEXefdbQDjw; part 2 -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-pWliufu6U

Growing human neurons: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2YDApNRK3g

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