Scientists envision using bacteria as electronic processors for building "living computers"
Rice University has embarked on an ambitious project to create the most powerful computer using living cells instead of traditional silicon and wires. This groundbreaking initiative, led by Professor Matthew Bennett, aims to challenge the norms of conventional computing and pave the way for a new class of adaptable, learning, and environmentally responsive computing platforms.
The project, named FinalSpark, has received a significant boost with a $1.99 million grant from the National Science Foundation. Collaborators from the University of Houston are also involved in this exciting venture.
The goal of FinalSpark is to develop an AI computing system that uses significantly less energy than current designs. To achieve this, the project will link microbial sensing and communication with electronic networks. Each individual microbial cell is treated as a processor, and when joined, they can form a powerful biological computer network.
The microbial networks developed through this project can learn and adapt over time, allowing them to recognise patterns and respond to real-world chemical inputs in ways that conventional computers cannot. This unique capability could revolutionise medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and next-generation computing.
One key application of this project is the development of smart biosensors that can detect specific chemical markers. These biosensors could potentially be used for early disease detection, pollution monitoring, and a host of other applications.
Interestingly, FinalSpark is not the only organisation exploring the potential of cell-based systems. Advanced research projects on cell-controlled AI and bioengineering innovations are underway at institutions like the University of Rostock in Germany. For instance, they are focusing on AI-controlled digital twins for cell production.
In a related development, FinalSpark is not the only company venturing into living computers. Swiss company FinalSpark has already developed a computer platform powered by human-brain organoids. This project at Rice University, therefore, represents a significant step forward in the field of living computers.
The project's ultimate goal is to turn traditional computing on its head by integrating biology with electronics, creating computing platforms that can adapt, learn, and respond to their environments. This could usher in a new era of computing, where computers are not just machines but living, adaptable entities.
