Computer circuit built from brain cells

October 24, 2008 | Source: New Scientist news service

Weizmann Institute of Science researchers have developed a way to control the growth pattern of neurons to build reliable circuits using neurons rather than wires.

They suggest that brain-cell logic circuits could serve as intermediaries between computers and the nervous system, allowing the paralyzed to control robot arms or learn to talk again without a drop-off in performance when scar tissue coats their electrodes.