00:03Computer engineers are constantly pushing the boundaries, creating faster and more intelligent bits of metal and silicon.
00:10But now neuroscientists at Indiana University have taken things a step in a different direction,
00:15and have created a small computer from human brain tissue.
00:18They're calling it brain-aware, and it could be the first step in creating computers that are as powerful as
00:23the human brain,
00:24still nature's most sophisticated machine.
00:26So far, it has been used for speech recognition and nonlinear equation prediction.
00:31And while it's not as accurate as a programmed computer, it's an exceptional proof of concept.
00:35That's because the human brain has an astounding 86 billion neurons, with quadrillions of connections between them.
00:42And while a human brain calculator is something straight out of science fiction,
00:46other researchers caution about the ethical considerations of this type of engineering moving forward,
00:51saying that it is critical for the community to examine the myriad of neuroethical issues
00:55that surround biocomputing systems incorporating human neural tissue.
00:59After all, having a self-aware calculator is a bit sinister.
01:02But the neuro researchers at IU have followed all preordained ethical guidelines.
01:06They also outlined how brain-aware can adapt,
01:08and has the flexibility to change and reorganize in response to electrical stimulation,
01:13which they say is good for new ways of computing,
01:15and might someday be used to produce new neurotherapeutics.
01:19Thank you very much.
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