Did You Know In Vitro Neurons Can Learn to Play Pong and Exhibit AI Sentience in a Simulated Game-World? (2022 Study)

Why are we just now learning about this? In 2022, scientists introduced DishBrain, an innovative system that integrates lab-grown neurons with digital computing. By embedding human and rodent neural networks into a simulated environment using a high-density multielectrode array, they tested the neurons' ability to learn and adapt.

 
The experiment placed neurons in a simulation mimicking the arcade game Pong, and within just five minutes of real-time gameplay, the neural cultures displayed learning and self-organization. This behavior wasn’t observed in control conditions, indicating that structured feedback and closed-loop interaction could enhance neural adaptation. This aligns with the theory of active inference.

 
Researchers coined the phenomenon synthetic biological intelligence, suggesting that in vitro neurons can process sensory input and respond in a goal-directed manner. These findings could reshape AI, neuroscience, and brain-computer interfaces, offering new insights into the mechanisms of intelligence.

 
Now, considering this research is from 2022, how far do you think these advancements have come by now? Are we on the brink of more complex, sentient neural systems? Read the full article here to dive deeper into this fascinating study and its potential.