Human brain cells on a chip learned to play Doom in a week

WORKING

Wilkins, Alex. "Human brain cells on a chip learned to play Doom in a week" (sic on capitalization). New Scientist (U.K.), 27 February 2026. As of March 2026, available on line without charge — but with a low article limit — here.[1]

Subtitle/Lede: "Neuron-powered computer chips can now be easily programmed to play a first-person shooter game, bringing biological computers a step closer to useful applications[.]" "A clump of human brain cells can play the classic computer game Doom. While its performance is not up to par with humans, experts say it brings biological computers a step closer to useful real-world applications, like controlling robot arms."

Especially relevant here: Biological computers are moving from SF/F to real-world labs (and soon into everyday life). Of more ideological concern, the proto-biochips bring together, if on a small scale, the worlds of carbon and silicon.

RDE, with thanks to Rob L, 6Mar26