Okay, here's a summary of the provided text, focusing on the key points about FinalSpark's work and the broader field of biocomputing:
FinalSpark and "Wetware" Computing:
* Progress: FinalSpark has made strides in growing organoids (miniature, lab-grown organs) that can now survive for up to four months. These are being used as a biological substrate for computing - often referred to as "wetware."
* Eerie Observations: Researchers have observed a surge of activity in the organoids right before they die, mirroring increased brain activity seen in dying humans. This has been recorded in 1,000-2,000 instances.
* Scientific Approach: Despite the somewhat unsettling observations, the researchers maintain a detached, scientific outlook, viewing the organoids as complex "computers" made of biological material. They focus on understanding why the organoids die to improve their experiments.
* Not Sentient: The scientists emphasize that these organoids are not to be feared or anthropomorphized.
The Broader Biocomputing Landscape:
* Other Players: FinalSpark isn't alone. Cortical Labs (Australia) has demonstrated artificial neurons playing Pong, and Johns Hopkins University (US) is using "mini-brains" for drug advancement related to neurological diseases.
* AI's role: There's hope that Artificial Intelligence will accelerate biocomputing research.
* Complementary,Not Replacement: The consensus is that biocomputing is unlikely to replace customary silicon-based computing. Instead, it will likely complement it, finding specific niches where it excels (like disease modeling and reducing animal testing).
* Sci-Fi Roots: The researchers, like Dr. Jordan, are often motivated by the science fiction concepts that initially inspired this field.
In essence, the article describes a fascinating and emerging field that blends biology and computer science, wiht both exciting potential and some ethically and scientifically intriguing challenges.