Subscribe now

Comment and Technology

Is it ethical to use complex mini-brains for artificial intelligence?

Brain organoids could be more effective than silicon-based AIs at certain tasks. But as they grow more complex, when should we step in to protect their welfare, asks Michael Le Page

By Michael Le Page

7 June 2023

New Scientist Default Image

Michelle D’urbano

DO WE want a future in which data centres full of living, bodiless brains carry out various tasks for us? That is the question raised by the work being done by at least three teams around the world.

In 2021, I reported on how Brett Kagan at Cortical Labs in Australia was growing flat sheets of mouse and human brain cells, hooking them up to electrodes and getting them to play games such as Pong. “We often refer to them as living in the Matrix,” he told me at the time. “When they are in the game, they believe they are the paddle.”…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 28th October 2023.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account