Monash University-led Research Uses Human Brain Cells to Transform Machine Learning
A groundbreaking research project led by Monash University in Australia aims to revolutionize machine learning by using human brain cells grown on silicon chips. With a grant of nearly $600,000 AUD from the National Intelligence and Security Discovery Research Grants Program, this initiative seeks to develop a new generation of artificial intelligence (AI) capable of continual lifelong learning.
The research program, led by Associate Professor Adeel Razi from the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, in collaboration with start-up Cortical Labs, involves growing approximately 800,000 brain cells in a laboratory dish. These cells are then taught to perform specific tasks, merging the realms of artificial intelligence and synthetic biology to create programmable biological computing platforms.
Last year, the project gained international attention when these brain cells showcased their ability to play a tennis-like computer game called Pong. Now, the researchers plan to delve deeper into the potential of lab-grown brain cells to understand the biological mechanisms underlying lifelong continual learning.
Associate Professor Razi highlights the significance of this research in various fields such as planning, robotics, advanced automation, brain-machine interfaces, and drug discovery. He envisions this new technology eventually surpassing the performance of existing silicon-based hardware, offering Australia a significant strategic advantage.
The funding for this project was secured due to the need for a new type of machine intelligence capable of learning throughout its lifetime. As self-driving cars, autonomous drones, and intelligent handheld devices continue to advance, there is a growing demand for machines that can acquire new skills without forgetting previously learned ones.
While current AI models suffer from catastrophic forgetting, the human brain excels at continual lifelong learning. The goal of this project is to develop AI machines that replicate the learning capacity of biological neural networks. By harnessing the power of living neurons, the researchers aim to create systems with capabilities not yet available and gain insight into the fundamental mechanisms behind human intelligence.
Dr. Brett Kagan, Chief Scientific Officer of Cortical Labs, praises the opportunity to unlock both new technologies and the potential to establish an Australian ecosystem in this emerging field. Working with living neurons, the only material known to produce generalized intelligence, presents enormous possibilities that can redefine intelligence as we know it.
The support for this cutting-edge research not only paves the way for technological advancements but also promises to contribute to our understanding of human intelligence. The fusion of artificial intelligence and synthetic biology has the potential to shape the future of various industries, offering unprecedented capabilities in terms of adaptability, resource conservation, and knowledge application.
With the development of better AI machines that replicate the learning capacity of biological neural networks, this project brings us one step closer to transformative breakthroughs. The researchers aim to scale up the hardware and methods capacity to the point where these biological computing platforms become a viable replacement for traditional silicon-based systems.
As this project progresses, it holds the promise of not only transforming machine learning but also unraveling the mysteries of our own intelligence. By incorporating lab-grown brain cells onto silicon chips, researchers open doors to innovative technologies and a deeper understanding of how our brains acquire and apply knowledge.
The Monash University-led research program represents an exciting leap towards unlocking the full potential of machine learning and artificial intelligence. As this collaboration between academia and industry continues to push boundaries, we can anticipate a future where machines possess the remarkable ability to learn, adapt, and perform tasks with unparalleled efficiency – all thanks to the power of human brain cells.
