Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence (Feb 2023)

First Organoid Intelligence (OI) workshop to form an OI community

  • Itzy E. Morales Pantoja,
  • Lena Smirnova,
  • Alysson R. Muotri,
  • Alysson R. Muotri,
  • Karl J. Wahlin,
  • Jeffrey Kahn,
  • J. Lomax Boyd,
  • David H. Gracias,
  • David H. Gracias,
  • David H. Gracias,
  • David H. Gracias,
  • David H. Gracias,
  • David H. Gracias,
  • Timothy D. Harris,
  • Timothy D. Harris,
  • Tzahi Cohen-Karni,
  • Tzahi Cohen-Karni,
  • Brian S. Caffo,
  • Alexander S. Szalay,
  • Alexander S. Szalay,
  • Alexander S. Szalay,
  • Fang Han,
  • Donald J. Zack,
  • Donald J. Zack,
  • Donald J. Zack,
  • Donald J. Zack,
  • Ralph Etienne-Cummings,
  • Akwasi Akwaboah,
  • July Carolina Romero,
  • Dowlette-Mary Alam El Din,
  • Jesse D. Plotkin,
  • Barton L. Paulhamus,
  • Erik C. Johnson,
  • Frederic Gilbert,
  • J. Lowry Curley,
  • Ben Cappiello,
  • Jens C. Schwamborn,
  • Eric J. Hill,
  • Paul Roach,
  • Daniel Tornero,
  • Daniel Tornero,
  • Caroline Krall,
  • Caroline Krall,
  • Rheinallt Parri,
  • Fenna Sillé,
  • Andre Levchenko,
  • Rabih E. Jabbour,
  • Brett J. Kagan,
  • Cynthia A. Berlinicke,
  • Qi Huang,
  • Alexandra Maertens,
  • Kathrin Herrmann,
  • Katya Tsaioun,
  • Raha Dastgheyb,
  • Christa Whelan Habela,
  • Joshua T. Vogelstein,
  • Thomas Hartung,
  • Thomas Hartung

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/frai.2023.1116870
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6

Abstract

Read online

The brain is arguably the most powerful computation system known. It is extremely efficient in processing large amounts of information and can discern signals from noise, adapt, and filter faulty information all while running on only 20 watts of power. The human brain's processing efficiency, progressive learning, and plasticity are unmatched by any computer system. Recent advances in stem cell technology have elevated the field of cell culture to higher levels of complexity, such as the development of three-dimensional (3D) brain organoids that recapitulate human brain functionality better than traditional monolayer cell systems. Organoid Intelligence (OI) aims to harness the innate biological capabilities of brain organoids for biocomputing and synthetic intelligence by interfacing them with computer technology. With the latest strides in stem cell technology, bioengineering, and machine learning, we can explore the ability of brain organoids to compute, and store given information (input), execute a task (output), and study how this affects the structural and functional connections in the organoids themselves. Furthermore, understanding how learning generates and changes patterns of connectivity in organoids can shed light on the early stages of cognition in the human brain. Investigating and understanding these concepts is an enormous, multidisciplinary endeavor that necessitates the engagement of both the scientific community and the public. Thus, on Feb 22–24 of 2022, the Johns Hopkins University held the first Organoid Intelligence Workshop to form an OI Community and to lay out the groundwork for the establishment of OI as a new scientific discipline. The potential of OI to revolutionize computing, neurological research, and drug development was discussed, along with a vision and roadmap for its development over the coming decade.

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