Here's how scientists taught 'brain cells' to play a video game

Melbourne-based researchers used brain cells of humans and mice to teach them play Pong, a 1970s video game.

The brain cells were put on a ‘DishBrain’, also known as model brain to gauge their response to the activities they were engaged into.

The study focused on the importance of feedback and its influence on brain cells and human behaviour therafter.

Scientists say the cells learnt faster when taught through feedback.

Like in one instance when the cells were directed to play a certain way, they processed the information and acted accordingly; while in the case of no feedback the cells could not learn the game.

Notably, the idea was to manipulate neurons or brain cells and show that they behave in accordance with a feedback, something that resembles intelligence.

The experiment has set a precedent for doctors as they now plan to get the neurons drunk or give them medicines using a ‘DishBrain’ to understand conditions such as dementia, epilepsy.

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