Is it possible to build supercomputers that can replicate the
human brain, or to develop nanotechnology that can lead to an
implantable chip for interfacing with neurons and other types of
cellular networks?
Once divergent fields, nanoscience and neuroscience are now
advancing each other in ways that could propel extraordinary new
research. Just what this means was the topic of an hour-long
conversation recently led by neuroscientist Nicholas Spitzer.
Professor of Neurobiology and Co-Director of the Kavli Institute
for Brain and Mind at the University of California, San Diego,
Spitzer is responsible for groundbreaking studies into the activity
and development of neurons and neuronal networks that span more
than four decades. Spitzer explored this scientific intersection
with two pioneering researchers in nanoscience:
- Kwabena Boahen, Associate Professor of Bioengineering at
Stanford University, who is using silicon integrated circuits to
emulate the way neurons compute, bridging electronics and computer
science with neurobiology and medicine. At Stanford, his research
group is developing "Neurogrid," a hardware platform that will
emulate the cortex's inner workings.
- Hongkun Park, Professor of Chemistry and of Physics at Harvard
University, who is known for his work in developing computing
technology modeled after the human brain and nervous system. Park
is pushing the frontiers of nanotechnology by developing devices
capable of probing and manipulating individual neurons.
In a far-reaching dialogue, the researchers discussed the
synergy between nanoscience and neuroscience, what it means for the
future, and how it is driving their current research -- ranging
from the development of a "Neurogrid" hardware platform that would
emulate the cortex's inner workings, to creating nanowire platforms
for administering biochemicals to cells.
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