According to this report, scientists have stored data in living neurons for the first time, opening the potentiality for “cyborg computer chips.” From the story:
Many believe that complex patterns of neuronal firing are templates for memory, which the brain uses when storing information. Imprinting such “memories” on artificial neural networks provides a potential way to develop cyborg chips, says Ben-Jacob. These would be useful for monitoring biological systems like the brain and blood since, being human, they would respond to the same chemicals.
I do not believe that there are any ethical issues raised with this technology as it relates to human exceptionalism or human dignity. However, I do wonder whether we are biting off more than we can safely chew.
