Last year, scientists from Monash University achieved a groundbreaking milestone by creating the “DishBrain” – a remarkable computer chip incorporating around 800,000 human and mouse brain cells. This semi-biological chip, integrated with electrodes, demonstrated a form of sentience and astoundingly learned to play the classic game Pong within just five minutes.

The DishBrain’s micro-electrode array had the unique capability to read brain cell activity and stimulate them with electrical signals. To test its learning abilities, the researchers designed a version of Pong where the brain cells received electrical stimuli representing the ball’s position on the screen and its distance from the paddle. The brain cells were then allowed to act upon the paddle’s movement. The team implemented a basic reward system, where the cells received predictable stimuli when the paddle hit the ball and unpredictable stimuli when it missed.

Chinese scientists have successfully built a groundbreaking Microgravity Experiment Facility with Electromagnetic Launch (MEFEL) to conduct cost-effective microgravity experiments on Earth, bolstering the country’s ambitious space research endeavors. The 131-foot tall MEFEL utilizes a linear motor to create a weightless environment for approximately 4 seconds, supporting up to 100 experiments daily, while consuming only 1 kilowatt-hour of electricity per experiment.

Compared to conventional microgravity facilities like drop towers and parabolic flights, MEFEL proves to be a game-changer, saving significant time and resources in pretesting experiments that will eventually be conducted aboard the Tiangong space station. Additionally, the facility can simulate partial gravity to mimic conditions on the moon and Mars.