In this enlightening episode, we delve into the realm of integrating neurons into digital systems with Dr. Kagan. Dr. Kagan presents his innovative development, DishBrain, which uses in vitro neural networks from human or rodent origins, integrated with in silico computing through a high-density multielectrode array. This fusion of biology and technology represents a significant leap towards creating synthetic biological intelligence.

By embedding these cultures in a simulated game world, mimicking the arcade game "Pong," Dr. Kagan and his team observe learning within five minutes of real-time gameplay that is not seen in control conditions. The research demonstrates the importance of closed-loop structured feedback in eliciting learning over time.

Dr. Kagan explains that these neural networks display the ability to self-organize activity in a goal-directed manner, responding to sparse sensory information about the consequences of their actions. This exploration of what the team has termed synthetic biological intelligence might offer valuable insights into the cellular correlates of intelligence, and it has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of both biological and artificial intelligence.

Key Words: Synthetic Biological Intelligence, Neuron Integration, Digital Systems, DishBrain, In Vitro Neural Networks, In Silico Computing, Multielectrode Array, Active Inference, Free Energy Principle, Cellular Correlates of Intelligence.

In vitro neurons learn and exhibit sentience when embodied in a simulated game world https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2022.09.001