While artificial intelligence (AI) polarizes interested discussions between exalted e catastrophists, Johns Hopkins University explores a surprising alternative: Organoid intelligence. Imagine a future where computers are powered by brain cells grown in a laboratory. Chills? It might be closer than we think.
What is an organoid?
Organoids are three-dimensional tissue cultures derived from human pluripotent stem cells. These clusters of cells can be engineered to function like real human organs, reproducing their structural and biological characteristics.
In the laboratory, the genetic instructions of the donor stem cells allow the organoids to self-organize and develop into any type of organic tissue. The result? tiny organs, currently developed for research purposes to test the functioning of drugs and therapies on a small scale. Mini livers, hearts, lungs – basically any tissue or structure. Including the human brain.
Organoid intelligence vs artificial intelligence
The work of Johns Hopkins (I link you here their material) is emblematic and indicates a way for the future of organoid intelligence.
Human brains are capable of processing a lot of information simultaneously. AI is limited to sequential processing. A human brain takes much less time to learn new tasks than computers. And it consumes a fraction of the energy needed to power data centers.
Examples? The recent work of Melbourne research team which “trained” 800.000 brain cells to run the computer game, Pong. Check out the video below. This “intelligence in a box” could have the potential to surpass AI in terms of learning and energy consumption.
Brain organoids could offer new opportunities for research and innovation. They could allow us to study how the human brain carries out complex tasks such as learning and memory, and how it responds to new drugs.
Awesome, isn't it? brake. As always, we also need to think about it. Especially on an ethical level.
There are many ethical issues
One major concern is about awareness and consciousness of cerebral organoids. The question of conscience is extremely important and complex. While there is currently no evidence that these cells are aware or capable of thinking and feeling, we cannot be sure that this will not happen. Especially as the models are expanded and further developed.
Another ethical issue concerns the Intellectual Property of the discoveries and inventions made through organoid intelligence. Since the stem cells used to generate brain organoids come from voluntary donors, the question arises whether these donors retain rights to what is created using their genetic code.
Organoid intelligence: at a glance
Addressing these ethical issues will require close collaboration between researchers and ethicists. And the attention, the awareness of public opinion. It will be critical to establish guidelines and regulations to ensure the use of organoid intelligence is ethical and responsible, while continuing to harness its potential to improve the way we live and work.
If we address these issues effectively, organoid intelligence could open up unimaginable avenues for innovation and progress in the twenty-first century.
