Scientists try to build a synthetic brain using Carbon Nanotubes
Jaydee Hanson
Scientists try to build a synthetic brain
by Staff Writers
Los Angeles (UPI) Jan 27, 2009
http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Scientists_try_to_build_a_synthetic_brain_999.html
U.S. scientists
say they are attempting to build neurons from carbon nanotubes to emulate human
brain function. "At this point we still don't know if building a
synthetic brain is feasible," said University of Southern
California Professor Alice Parker. "It may
take decades to realize anything close to the human brain, but emulating pieces
of the brain -- such as a synthetic vision system or synthetic cochlea that
interface successfully with a real brain -- may be available quite soon, and
synthetic parts of the brain's cortex within decades."
She said the challenges of creating a synthetic brain are staggering. Unlike computer software that simulates brain function, a synthetic brain will include hardware that emulates brain cells, their amazingly complex connectivity and a concept Parker calls "plasticity," which allows the artificial neurons to learn through experience and adapt to changes in their environment the way real neurons do.
Jaydee Hanson
Policy Analyst
Center for Food Safety &
Policy Director
International Center for Technology Assessment
660 Pennsylvania Ave. SE #302
Washington DC 20003
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