Cortical Labs' CL1: Running Code on Human Brain Cells

An Australian startup, Cortical Labs, has developed a system called CL1 that integrates lab-grown human brain cells with silicon hardware for computing. The company states it allows users to "run code" on living human brain cells.

System Functionality

CL1 functions by growing neurons derived from stem cells and placing them on specialized chips. These chips are designed to send and receive electrical signals, facilitating interaction with the living neurons.

Brett J. Kagan, chief scientific officer at Cortical Labs, indicated that an indefinite supply of these cells can be generated from blood or skin samples.

Cortical Labs is establishing biological computing facilities in Melbourne and Singapore to deploy and remotely access multiple CL1 units.

Operational Differences

CL1 operates similarly to conventional computing systems by using silicon chips; however, these chips are equipped with microelectrodes that communicate directly with living neurons.

Unlike traditional silicon-based computers, CL1 is a shoebox-sized system that utilizes living cell cultures sustained by a nutrient-rich liquid, a method sometimes referred to as “wetware.”

Cortical Labs indicates that approximately 120 units of this system are operational in a data center located in Melbourne, Australia.

The company emphasizes its standardization of connecting cell cultures to electronic interfaces, simplifying a process that previously required complex custom laboratory setups.

Efficiency and Future Outlook

Biological systems like CL1 offer potential advantages in energy efficiency and adaptability.

Kagan stated that human biology requires significantly less data for learning compared to machine learning models and can manage uncertain or noisy information effectively.

The use of human-derived cells also presents research applications, such as studying cell responses to treatments based on donor genetic traits.

Traditional silicon-based computers maintain superior effectiveness in precise, fast mathematical calculations.

Kagan suggested that future computing systems would likely combine biological and silicon-based approaches to achieve capabilities beyond what either system could deliver independently.

Ethical Considerations

The integration of human cells in computing systems raises ethical questions.

Alysson R. Muotri, Director of Sanford Stem Cell Education and Integrated Space Stem Cell Orbital Research (ISSCOR) Center, noted that simpler networks of human neurons, such as those used by Cortical Labs, do not present significant ethical issues.

However, he cautioned that more complex, three-dimensional brain-like structures (organoids) could potentially generate a form of consciousness, which might necessitate new regulatory frameworks.

Cortical Labs' Kagan indicated that their approach could offer ethical advantages, including a reduction in the need for animal testing.