Rat Brain Flies Plane

Posted by Internetrix on 26 October 2004 | 0 Comments

A University of Florida scientist has created a living "brain" of cultured rat cells that now controls an F-22 fighter jet flight simulator. Professor Thomas DeMarse, from the University of Florida Biomedical Engineering department, grew a culture of rodent brain cells in a dish on top of an electrode grid. While initially these cells were independent and disconnected, they soon extended microscopic lines to each other, creating a functioning neural network.

What is really incredible about this experiment is that Professor DeMarse could have a "two way" interaction with the cells through the electrode grid. By attaching the rodent cell culture to an F-22 flight simulator, the 25,000 brain cells learned to fly the aircraft.

To find our more about this incredible project, check out the Discovery Channel article, a story on Wired News or Thomas' own page at the University of Florida.

Unfortunately for the Republican party, the IQ of the culture has already proven itself too high for presidential pre-selection, so they're going to have to continue to make do with George Bush as their candidate for this election at least.