Introducing the CL1: A Game-Changer in Computing

Prepare to be amazed! A revolutionary new computer, the CL1, which ingeniously merges silicon-based technology with human neurons, is now available for purchase. Launched on March 2 by the innovative startup Cortical Labs based in Melbourne, this device is hailed as the "world’s first code-deployable biological computer." Its potential applications? Think disease modeling and drug discovery.

What Makes the CL1 Unique?

Imagine a shoebox-sized piece of technology housing human neurons nourished by a nutrient-rich broth, all growing across a silicon chip. This chip effortlessly transmits electrical signals back and forth to train the neurons to perform desired tasks, demonstrating its capabilities in a previous project where Cortical Labs taught a similar system, DishBrain, to play Pong!

A Lifeline for Neurons

Behind the scenes, a sophisticated perfusion circuit acts as a life-support system for the neurons. It maintains temperature, mixes gases, filters waste, and keeps everything circulating optimally. Remarkably, this system operates on minimal energy and can keep the neurons thriving for up to six months.

A Bright Future for Brain Research

While Cortical Labs continues to refine this technology to model various cell types and functions found in the human brain, the CL1 holds promise for researchers seeking innovative treatments for neurological conditions. With the failure rate of neurological drug trials being alarmingly high due to the brain's complexity, this technology offers an unprecedented glimpse into its inner workings.

Navigating Ethical Concerns

Of course, the intersection of human neurons and computing has ignited ethical debates about the concept of "synthetic biological intelligence." While the CL1 is less complex than human brains, concerns have been raised about consciousness and the potential for experiencing suffering. As Silvia Velasco, a stem cell researcher, points out, we must carefully evaluate these implications while also recognizing the potential to combat debilitating brain diseases.

Coming Soon to Laboratories Everywhere!

Get ready to invest in the future: the CL1 will retail for around $35,000 and is set to become widely available by late 2025. For labs without the necessary facilities, Cortical Labs is also offering a remote cloud-based computing alternative, ensuring that this groundbreaking technology is accessible to researchers around the globe.