Brain stem cells’ use in computer chips investigated

GOAL IS IMPROVEMENTS IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

THE chief executive of HS2 Ltd has joined Loughborough University as visiting professor of complex project and programme leadership.

Mark Thurston completed a Master’s in engineering management at Loughborough in 2001.

He took the top job at the high-speed rail project in 2017.

During his professorship in the School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering, he will help to shape the strategic direction of the school’s research and teaching.

Professor Andy Dainty, dean of the School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering, said: “HS2 are one of our most important partners and we have many collaborative research projects with them.

“Mark’s appointment will enable us to consolidate and grow this relationship.”

Mark said: “HS2 is committed to leaving a lasting legacy of skills and knowledge in engineering and major projects.

“I look forward to supporting the research and teaching in this area.”

SCIENTISTS have been awarded more than £3 million to work on a project which will see human brain stem cells used to power artificial intelligence (AI) devices.

Neu-ChiP will show how neurons – the brain’s information processors – can be used to increase a computer’s capacity to learn information and cut energy use.

The international project is a collaboration between the chemistry department at Loughborough University, Aston University and institutions in France, Spain, Switzerland and Israel. Scientists will grow human brain stem cells on microchips and attempt to determine whether they can be taught to solve problems.

They hope advances in technology.

As well as developing new AI technology, the project is also expected to produce insights into how the brain works, which could also be used to develop stem cell-based medical treatments.

Dr Paul Roach, who is leading the study, said: “This work really brings together an exciting interdisciplinary team of researchers to build on our individual strengths and interests.

“The focus of this project is on revolutionising the way we analyse this will machine lead to learning information using specifically designed complex living neuronal circuits.” Professor David Saad, of Aston University, said: “Our aim is to harness the unrivaled comput ing power of the human brain to dramatically increase the ability of computers to help us solve complex problems.

“We believe this project has the potential to break through current limitations of processing power and energy consumption to bring about a paradigm shift in machine learning technology.”