Scientists from Cortical Labs have managed to teach human brain cells on a microchip to play the original Doom from 1993. This is one of the most unusual experiments in the field of computational biology.
The Australian company used the biocomputer CL1, containing about 200,000 living neurons grown on a microchip with a multi-channel electrode array. Neurons receive electrical signals from the computer and send responses, which are interpreted as commands for the game.
Researchers explained
To bridge this gap, we needed to translate the digital world of Doom into the biological language of neurons – electricity.
The system converts gameplay into electrical signals applied to different parts of the neural network. If enemies appear on the screen, the corresponding electrodes activate neurons that send movement or shooting signals.
Scientists note that cells are capable of basic learning and adaptation, but so far they play like a newbie who has never seen a computer:
It's not an e-sports champion, they act like an absolute beginner.
