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Melbourne startup CL1 builds a biological computer

10 March 2025 · 34 views · 0 likes · 0 reposts · 106 blog views

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OK, that's an interesting one. A Melbourne start-up is building a "biological computer" using human brain cells. It’s called CL1, and the idea behind it is to harness living neurons to create a new kind of computing system.

The system is still in its early days, and even the scientists behind it acknowledge its limitations. But the concept itself is incredibly interesting. One of the most intriguing parts is how CL1 functions. Unlike traditional AI models that require huge amounts of power, this biological AI system runs on just a few watts. That’s a big deal because modern AI can be extremely power-hungry, making efficiency a challenge. Another cool aspect is that these neurons can learn really quickly - way faster than traditional AI models that require massive datasets.

The same team previously taught brain cells in a dish to play Pong! It wasn’t exactly an experienced player, but the fact that the neurons were able to learn and improve is great.

Of course, ethical concerns come into play. While these neuron-based systems are still quite simple, some scientists are already thinking ahead - what happens if they get more complex? Could they develop some level of consciousness?

At the end of the day, this is one of those developments that makes you pause and think about where technology is heading. Could it lead to new breakthroughs in computing?

Source: abc.net.au/news/science/2…

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