Brain Cells Wired to Computers?

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have created computer chips that are wired with nerve cells.

The cells that the researchers are working with are from mice and they have found that the nerve cells will connect with each other through thin tubes made of a semi conductor material. At this point, it is not sure how well they are communicating but what is certain is that the cells have an attraction to such tubes.

The tubes the researchers created are made of layered silicon and germanium that are large enough only for the nerve cell's tendrils to move through. When the cells are placed next to the tubes, they will quickly thread their tendrils through the tubes to connect with each other.

What the researchers aims to do next is to place sensors into the chips to test how the nerve cells are communicating with each other. This new technology opens up exciting possibilities such as creating artificial limbs that are wired directly to nerve cells. The hybrid computer/nerve cell also provides a platform to study nerve cells afflicted with neurological diseases or to test neurological drugs.