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What if the future of computing isn’t silicon... but neurons?
In this episode, we explore a radical new frontier where biology and technology come together — programming living neurons as processors.
I am joined by Dr. Evelina Curtis of FinalSpark, a pioneering scientist bridging neuroscience and AI. We unpack the astonishing potential of bioprocessors—miniaturised clusters of human neurons that can process and store data while consuming a fraction of the energy traditional systems demand.
Evelina reveals how her team is learning to "program" neurons using electrical and chemical signals to store information — not to replicate the brain, but to unlock new, energy-efficient forms of computing.
We cover the challenges of working with living cells, how neuron-based processors may outpace silicon chips in energy efficiency, and what it means for AI, medicine, and beyond.
From sci-fi to serious science, this episode pushes the limits of what's possible in computational neuroscience.
“We’re building processors from living cells.” – Dr. Evelina Curtis
You’ll hear about:
· Neurons being significantly more energy efficient than traditional computing methods.
· How FinalSpark aims to program neurons to perform computational tasks.
· Why maintaining the health of neurons in a lab setting is crucial for research.
· Investment being needed to accelerate the development of neuronal computing.
· Ways neuronal computing has potential applications in drug development and brain interfaces.
· Ethical considerations arise when discussing programming living neurons.
· The future of computing may involve a blend of biological and digital technologies.
Connect with Dr. Ewelina Kurtys
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ewelinakurtys/
Website - https://www.ewelinakurtys.com/
Connect with me:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdavison100/
If you need any lab equipment:
Grant Instruments: https://www.grantinstruments.com/
Grant Instruments on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grant-instruments-cambridge-ltd/
Chapters
1. Brain-on-a chip? Neurons as future biocomputers with Dr. Evelina Curtis (00:00:00)
2. Evelina Curtis: Journey into Science (00:00:49)
3. Transition from Academia to Industry (00:03:07)
4. The Intersection of Neuroscience and AI (00:05:01)
5. The Need for Alternative Computing (00:06:00)
6. Programming Neurons: The Mini-Brain Concept (00:09:15)
7. Measuring Neuronal Activity (00:12:27)
8. Scaling Neuronal Production (00:17:54)
9. Commercialisation of Neuronal Computing (00:19:27)
23 episodes
