Perfecting the man-machine interface increasingly involves using neurons for computing, though teaching, or programming them, has bee difficult, until now. Scientists have taught human neuron cells to play Doom.
“According to Cortical Labs, the experiment builds on earlier work in which lab-grown neurons learned to play the classic 1972 game Pong, but Doom presents a far more complex challenge due to its 3D environments and enemy encounters.
“‘To bridge that gap, we needed to translate the digital world of Doom into the biological language of neurons, which is electricity,’ the researchers explained in a February 25 video.
“The system converts gameplay into electrical stimulation patterns delivered to different parts of the neural culture. When enemies appear on one side of the screen, corresponding electrodes stimulate that region of the neurons, which then respond with electrical signals interpreted as movement or shooting commands.
“‘If the neurons fire in a specific pattern, Doomguy shoots. If they fire in another pattern, he moves right, and so on,’ they said.
“Researchers said the cells are capable of basic learning and adaptation, though performance remains limited.”
The ultimate goal is clear: Developing catgirls and doggirls to become gamers.
A little mood music:
