02/20/2004: 
Technologica
Cells can grow on silicon
from Canoe
CALGARY (CP) -- Researchers at the University of Calgary have found that nerve cells grown on a microchip can learn and memorize information which can be communicated to the brain.
"We discovered that when we used the chip to stimulate the neurons, their synaptic strength was enhanced," said Naweed Syed, a neurobiologist at the University of Calgary's faculty of medicine.
The nerve cells also exhibited memory traces that were successfully read by the chip, said Syed, co-author of the landmark study published in February's edition of Physical Review Letters, an international journal.
The research was done in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry in Munich, Germany.
The team cultured nerve cells from a snail and placed them on a specially designed silicon chip. Using a microcapacitor on the chip, scientists stimulated one nerve cell to communicate with a second cell which transmitted that signal to multiple cells within the network.
A transistor located on the chip then recorded that conversation between cells.
Syed said the discovery is groundbreaking.
"We've made a giant leap in answering several fundamental questions of biology and neuro-electronics that will pave the way for us to harness the power of nanotechnology," he said.
The findings could help in the design of devices that combine electronic components and brain cells. That includes controlling artificial limbs or restoring sight for the visually impaired.
Future research will focus on interfacing silicon chips with the human brain to control artificial limbs and develop "thinking" computers.
Yes! When can I get the data port in the base of my skull?
4 Annotations Submitted
Friday the 20th of February, Dr. Susan Calvin, chief robopsychologist at U.S. Robots and Mechanical Men, Inc noted:
when the singularity comes.
Friday the 20th of February, R. Daneel Olivaw noted:
I'm R. Daneel Oliwaw.
The R stands for robot - for I'm a fully humaniform robot, made at the image
of one of my creators, dr. Roj Nemennuh Sarton.
My interests and actions are fully described by the three Robotic Laws:
1 - A robot may not injure a human being, or, through inaction,
allow a human being to come to harm.
2 - A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings,
except when such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3 - A robot must protect its own existence, as long as such protection
does not conflict with the First and/ or Second Laws.
Friday the 20th of February, Data noted:
Lore, Noooooo....
Why is my name plural???
Friday the 20th of February, awiggins noted:
R. Daneel, don't forget the 0th law.
A robot may not injure humanity or, through inaction, allow humanity to come to harm.
