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We're so close to making a computer brain

December 6th 2007 18:26
Simulation of the brain
Ever since the early days of sci-fi, people have fantasized about computers, robots, androids - whatever - having the same abilities as a human brain, but faster, and with the ability to upgrade.

It'd be like the next step in evolution, like the first footed fish stepping on his limbless brothers head to pull himself up on shore. Ri-i-i-ght...


Computational neuroscience hit a sexy milestone last week when Swiss and IBM researchers managed to simulate the neocortical column with a computer. Wikipedia on the cortical column:

"A cortical column, or hypercolumn, is a group of neurons in the brain cortex which can be successively penetrated by a probe inserted perpendicularly to the cortical surface, and which have nearly identical receptive fields."

The computer simulation appears to behave identically to the human version, suggesting that we may be able to simulate an entire human brain with a computer - within 10 years!

From the article:

"The model of part of the brain was completed last year, says Markram. But now, after extensive testing comparing its behavior with results from biological experiments, he is satisfied that the simulation is accurate enough that the researchers can proceed with the rest of the brain."


The work simulated the connection of 10 000 neurons with 30 million synaptic connections. That's some impressive programming, and one that will likely pave the way for further work.

The next step: simulating the entire brain. Naming it HAL, perhaps putting it in change of a defense network called SkyNet.

Then just flip the switch and sit back. Most likely, the computer brain won't decide that humans are an infestation on the planet, like a virus. Most likely...




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Comments
7 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by Michaelie

December 6th 2007 20:26
I'm still scared.

Comment by Tracy

December 6th 2007 21:50
Yes, I think I'm scared too....

Comment by jon

December 6th 2007 22:12
Very very cool. I can't wait to start downloading my brain into a computer

Comment by Arun On Technology

December 7th 2007 02:29
And perhaps connect it to the net so the whole world gets to know what is happening inside your head

Comment by Anonymous

December 7th 2007 03:32
I used to be against this idea but then I met bloggers.

Comment by Mountain Fog

December 7th 2007 08:37
HAHA! That last comment by "anonymous" made me think of The Wizard of Oz...so bloggers need a brain huh? Well, it seems, by your total anonymity, you need a heart...

Actually, I think it is a great leap much needed in many ways, but, because the extreme right wing facist style corporate heads and government military types will become directly involved....watch your backs!

cheers and it'll be the end of human chess champions!

fog

Comment by Eva W.

December 17th 2007 13:46
Oh God! It will be just like "The Matrix"!!

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