Scientists make biocomputer with brain tissue

 

The merging of human and machine has taken another step forward as researchers have built a "biocomputer". Bioengineers at the University of Indiana in the USA have combined laboratory-grown human brain tissue with microelectrodes. The scientists have dubbed their creation Brainoware. It is in its embryonic stage of development, but it can already perform complex tasks such as voice recognition. Lead researcher Dr Feng Guo hopes his softer-than-usual software will help to advance AI technologies. It could also mean AI hardware uses far less energy than solely using silicon chips. Dr Guo said: "This is just proof-of-concept to show that we can do the job. We still have a long way to go."

The researchers said their Brainoware system utilizes "organoids". These are artificially grown bundles of tissue and stem cells that resemble an organ. Dr Guo said his team's organoids are like mini-brains. They have transformed and developed neurons, akin to those found in the human brain. The researchers say their next step is to investigate how Brainoware can be adapted to undertake higher-level tasks. The technology could one day be used to create improved models of the brain, and move neuroscience research forward. It could also lead to cures for neurological diseases. One major challenge for the researchers is to find solutions for how to keep the living tissue alive.

1. AI: Students A strongly believe AI intelligence should never be more powerful than human intelligence; Students B strongly believe otherwise. Explain.
2. PROS AND CONS: What are the pros and cons of biocomputers for these things? Complete this table.

	Pros	Cons
Language learning
Social media
News
School classrooms
Finances
Travel

 

3.Vocabulary

    Paragraph 1

1.	merging	a.	Not involving anyone or anything else; only.
2.	dubbed	b.	An abstract idea.
3.	embryonic	c.	Combining to form a single entity.
4.	complex	d.	Given an unofficial name or nickname to.
5.	solely	e.	Consisting of many different and connected parts.
6.	proof of concept	f.	Evidence, typically derived from an experiment or pilot project, which demonstrates that a design concept, business proposal, etc., is feasible.

    Paragraph 2

8.	utilizes	h.	Carry out research or study into a subject or problem.
9.	bundle	i.	Of similar character.
10.	resemble	j.	Cells that transmit nerve impulses.
11.	neurons	k.	Makes practical and effective use of.
12.	akin	l.	The study of the brain, psychology, and the function of the nervous system.
13.	investigate	m.	A collection of things or quantity of material tied or wrapped up together.
14.	neuroscience	n.	Have a similar appearance to or qualities in common with (someone or something); look or seem like.

 

4. SYNONYM MATCH: Match the following synonyms from the article.

1. merging
2. embryonic
3. complex
4. solely
5. proof
6. bundles
7. resemble
8. akin
9. undertake
10. cures

1. look like
2. therapies
3. only
4. intricate
5. similar
6. combining
7. tackle
8. clumps
9. evidence
10. rudimentary

5.Role play

Role  A – Education You think A.I. is most useful for education. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why A.I. isn't as useful for their things. Also, tell the others which of these things is A.I. least useful for (and why): transport, health or climate change.

Role  B – Transport You think A.I. is most useful for transport. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why A.I. isn't as useful for their things. Also, tell the others which of these things is A.I. least useful for (and why): education, health or climate change.

Role  C – Health You think A.I. is most useful for health. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why A.I. isn't as useful for their things. Also, tell the others which of these things is A.I. least useful for (and why): transport, education or climate change.

Role  D – Climate Change You think A.I. is most useful for climate change. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why A.I. isn't as useful for their things. Also, tell the others which of these things is A.I. least useful for (and why): transport, health or education. OR Finances Entertainment Legal affairs Inventions

6.Discussion - Biocomputers

1. What do you think of the merging of humans and machines?
2. What do you think of growing  human brain tissue?
3. What do you think of the idea of humans with AI brain implants?
4. Would you have silicon chips put inside your body?
5. What do you think of AI?
6. How could humanlike AI robots help us in our daily lives?
7. What is 'softer-than-usual software'?
8. What do you hope Brainoware might do for us?

11. What do you think of the name 'Brainoware'?
12. What are the future dangers of this research?
13. How might AI help us communicate in other languages?
14. What do you know about the concept of singularity?
15. How happy are you about artificial intelligence?
16. What will biocomputers of the future be able to do?
17. What questions would you like to ask the bioengineers?