UK (Commonwealth Union) – The programing of computers or artificial intelligence (AI) to have the ability to think on its own and make decisions may seem feasible with the recent emergence of new technologies. It may still be a long way from having technology that can match humans however we may be edging closer.
A new study conducted by the University College London (UCL) could have a huge impact on, future studies by providing a new outlook on AI models in ways the brain works. The study could also provide a starting point for drug trial effects on a little proto-brain, whose decisions can be behaviorally quantified.
UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology researchers and other institutions, headed by bio-tech start-up Cortical Labs, Melbourne, formed a system called Dishbrain to look into how the brain functions. The study had, scientist take 800,000 brain cells from both embryonic mice and human brain cells obtained from stem cells, which was then grown on top of microelectrode arrays that were able to stimulate and read their activity.
Microelectrode arrays have been used on prior occasions to monitor the activity of brain cells. However, this was the first occasion that researchers were able to use them to stimulate neurons in a structured way to form responses that are realized in terms of relevant behavior.
Professor Karl Friston of the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, who was engaged in the study, pointed out that the pioneering feature of the study lies on providing the neurons with sensations, feedback and significantly the capability to act on their world. “Remarkably, the cultures learned how to make their world more predictable and have less chance of encountering surprising behaviour by acting upon it. This is remarkable because you cannot teach this kind of self-organisation; simply because – unlike a pet – these mini brains have no sense of reward and punishment,” he added.
