Snail brain drain

Scientists in Germany have created the first ever part mechanical, part organic electronic circuit. The research has effectively kick started a project that could see a brain grown on a piece of silicon, which could ultimately result in a thinking computer.

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry have managed to attach snail neurons to transistors and demonstrate that the cells communicated with each other and the transistors.

Each snail brain cell was attached to a field effect transistor, which amplifies voltages and stimulates the cell into activity. The scientists found that the neurons developed a connection, or synapse, between each other by releasing electrical signals.

The same signals were also picked up by the transistors beneath the cells, proving that the neural network had directly interfaced with the silicon chip.

These first experiments were carried out with networks of around 20 transistors, although the aim is to build a network of over 15,000 neuron transistors. But the greatest challenge will be in developing the interface between organic material and electronic components.

In an organic brain nerve cells move about and find each other to build patterns and relay signals. If some are damaged, others take their place. Silicon, however, cannot respond to its environment, although it does possess greater speed and reliability.

The researchers plan to combine the functionality and prowess of silicon and electric components with the complexity and intelligence of organic brain power to make headway on the road to intelligent and adaptive computing.

Once these silicon/organic 'brains' get big enough the researchers hope to get an insight into how the brain works, how neurons form complex patterns for communication and processing, and maybe even how thought and consciousness occurs.