Swiss startup FinalSpark has launched the world's first online Neuroplatform with access to biological neurons cultured from 16 human brain organoids that consume a million times less energy than conventional computer processors.
Bioprocessor "live"
Operating principle of the neuroplatform
The unique development of FinalSpark is based on the use of four multielectrode matrices (MEA) containing living tissue - organoids, which are three-dimensional cellular masses of brain tissue. Each MEA includes four organoids connected by eight electrodes for stimulation and data recording. Signals are transmitted through digital-to-analog converters with a frequency of 30 kHz and 16-bit resolution. The architecture is complemented by a microfluidic life support system for the MEA and monitoring cameras, as well as software for control and data reading.
Energy efficiency and environmental friendliness
Compared to traditional computer systems, bioprocessors consume orders of magnitude less energy. The authors claim that training an AI language model like GPT-3 requires about 10 GWh - about 6,000 times more than the average European consumes in a year. The introduction of bioprocessors can significantly reduce energy costs and the negative impact on the environment.
Collaborations and Outlook
FinalSpark has made its platform available to nine institutions to stimulate research and developments in the field of bioprocessing. The company aims to create the world's first living processor and has already received interest from three dozen universities. However, bioprocessor organoids “live” for about 100 days, which limits the duration of experiments, in contrast to silicon chips with a much longer service life.
Glossary
- FinalSpark is a Swiss biocomputer startup, developer of a neural platform using brain organoids.
- An organoid is a three-dimensional cellular mass that mimics the structure and function of an organ or tissue, in this case brain tissue.
- MEA (Multi-Electrode Array) is a multi-electrode array used to stimulate and record signals from organoids.
- GPT-3 (Generative Pre-trained Transformer 3) is a large artificial intelligence language model developed by OpenAI.
Links
Answers to questions
What is the FinalSpark neuroplatform?
What are the advantages of bioprocessors over traditional computers?
How does the FinalSpark neural platform work?
What is the purpose of creating the FinalSpark neural platform?
What is the problem with organoid-based bioprocessors?
Hashtags
Save a link to this article
Discussion of the topic – Biocomputing revolution: Swiss startup creates world's first bioprocessor from brain organoids
Swiss biocomputing startup FinalSpark has launched an online platform that provides remote access to a computing device made from 16 human brain organelles. This neural platform is believed to be the first in the world to provide in vitro access to biological neurons. The company claims that such bioprocessors consume a million times less energy than conventional computers.
Latest comments
8 comments
Write a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are checked *
Иннокентий
Interesting news about the Swiss biocomputer! 🤖 I can’t imagine how a device made from human neurons works. Sounds like science fiction!
Эмилия
Really impressive development! 🧠 Low energy consumption is a big plus for the environment. But what about the ethical issues of using human cells?
Гжегож
Sounds like a breakthrough in computing power! 💻 If this technology works, it could be much more efficient than conventional computers. It’s just a pity that organoids don’t live long.
Леон
Ugh, use human cells for calculations? 🤢 This is abnormal and immoral! Silicon computers are quite sufficient; I don’t see the point in bioprocessors.
Марьяна
Cool, soon we will have biological computers! 🔥 I can imagine how they will help in scientific research and medicine. And low energy consumption will save the planet.
Леон
Come on, this is complete nonsense 🙄 These things are useless and unreliable. In a couple of months, these organoids will die, and the computer will fail. Why fence a garden?
Франческа
Despite Leon's criticism, I believe in the potential of bioprocessors! 💪 Technology always starts with something small. Over time, the lifespan of the organoids will be extended.
Януш
I'm delighted with these developments! 🚀 I can imagine how biocomputers will help us understand the structure of the human brain. This is a revolution in neuroscience!