Scientists grow and program human brain organoids

Science

Wired

Scientists can reprogram adult cells into induced pluripotent stem cells and grow them into brain organoids that produce brain waves and basic learning. Labs at universities and startups are using these cultures for drug screening, modeling development, and experimental computing, including playing Pong and Doom on neural cultures and running neurons inside CL-1 devices. Funders are shifting toward organoid models, with a major NIH investment in standardized organoid modeling, which could change preclinical testing and spur new research paths. The work raises practical research opportunities and unresolved ethical questions about sentience and regulation.

Organoids can model human brain activity and aid drug testing