Scientists have created several brain tissue samples in the lab that demonstrated functional activity and learning ability, as reported by Science Alert.
In a new study, the researchers used the classic cart-and-pole balancing task (the so-called balancing task) to evaluate the potential of the cultured brain organoids.
The organoids were derived from mouse stem cells and grown to form small fragments of cortical tissue capable of generating and transmitting neural impulses. These structures do not possess consciousness or independent thought, but they can receive signals, respond to them, and reorganize internal neural connections in response to external stimulation.
The experiment used a virtual model of a cart with a vertical pole, which the subjects had to balance. Different patterns of electrical impulses encoded information about the direction of movement and the tilt angle of the pole. The organoids’ responses were interpreted as commands to move the cart left or right to stabilize the system.
The adaptation mechanism was particularly important in the experiment. If the results over five trials were worse than the average of the previous twenty, the system activated short-term high-frequency stimulation. An algorithm determined which neurons should receive additional impulses based on whether similar stimulation patterns had previously resulted in improved control.
According to researcher Ash Robbins, this process can be compared to a virtual coach, pointing out errors and helping correct actions. Scientists continue to refine methods for delivering such “training signals” to improve the effectiveness of interaction with organoids.
As a reminder, Meta has patented an AI that will manage a person’s social media after their death.
To be continued…
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