Human brain cells in a dish learn to play Pong

For the first time, researchers have shown that 800,000 brain cells living in a dish can perform goal-directed tasks – in this case, the simple computer game Pong. This DishBrain offers a simpler approach to testing how the brain works and gaining insights into debilitating conditions such as epilepsy and dementia.

FOOTAGE: Cortical Labs / Monash University; British Council; Envato Elements
COVER ART: Cortical Labs / Monash University
BACKGROUND: Tomislav Jakupec / Pixabay
MUSIC: Coma-media / Pixabay
PONG INTRO SOUNDTRACK: “Ping Pong” BY Armin van Buuren

STORY:
Monash University

STUDY:
Brett J. Kagan, Andy C. Kitchen, Nhi T. Tran, Forough Habibollahi, Moein Khajehnejad, Bradyn J. Parker, Anjali Bhat, Ben Rollo, Adeel Razi, Karl J. Friston.
“In vitro neurons learn and exhibit sentience when embodied in a simulated game-world”
Neuron (2022)