Can We Artifically Create Complex Human Brains? — An Intersection Between Engineering and Neuroscience
Written by: Lakshmy Parvathy
This article delves into the fundamental basics of the brain and how they can be used to artificially engineer human brains with their maximum capabilities. The intersection between technology, engineering, and neuroscience allows us to peek into a future of endless possibilities to improve the treatment of neurological disorders and tissue damage.
Today the integration of technology and neuroscience in various industries has led to more effective methods of communication and problem-solving. The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought in a wave of new possibilities for enhancing the overall quality of human life. However, the human brain remains a mystery in its structure and complex functions that allow it to be both emotional and logical. Many fields in the industries of medicine and neuroscience are dedicated to understanding the relationship between the brain, its capabilities, and future implications.
Studying the Brain: Current Approaches
Biomedical engineering (BME) stands out as a key discipline of engineering that “focuses on the application of engineering principles and problem-solving techniques to biology and medicine” (Michigan Technological University). Recent developments in biomedical engineering have led to fascinating innovations such as pacemakers, artificial hips, and implantable medical devices. Futuristic concepts such as stem cell engineering and the 3-D printing of biological organs are also actively under exploration within this field.
Stem cell engineering is the process of combining “scaffolds, cells, and biologically active molecules into functional tissues,” with artificial skin serving as a notable example (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). As the name suggests, stem cell engineering involves stem cells, which are undifferentiated cells in the body that can specialize into any type of cell (Duru, L.N., Quan, Z., Qazi, T.J. et al). Stem cells, specifically embryonic stem cells, are continuously dividing and replicating, and can be indefinitely grown in a lab setting. Initially, it was thought that stem cells couldn’t develop certain tissues such as brain tissue, but recent discoveries challenge this notion. According to recent studies by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, supplying specific combinations of signal proteins to stem cells can induce them to differentiate into glial cells — essential components of the central nervous system in the brain (Alberts B, Johnson A, Lewis J, et al). Furthermore, stem cell engineering is now widely used alongside regenerative medicine, which is involved in aiding the body with foreign biological materials, allowing for the creation or regeneration of damaged tissue and organs. Considering these advancements, the success of neural engineering becomes a viable prospect.
Understanding Neural Engineering
Neural engineering, a specific subdivision of stem cell engineering, focuses on creating and regenerating/repairing nerve cells and neural networks. Millions of nerve cells, aka neurons, are the building blocks of the nervous system that comprises our brains. They are responsible for sending and receiving signals. Neurons exist in three types: sensory, motor, and interneurons. Each of these types of neurons plays different but vital roles in the function of the brain, and the unique communication patterns between neurons contribute to individuality.
The field of neural engineering has already been advancing with the creation of implantable devices that can measure and modulate neural activity (Ereifej, E. S., et al). These devices have been created to address and understand the complexities of neurological dysfunction. This further allows us to have a deeper understanding of neuron firing patterns in response to stimuli as well.
So if nerve cells can be recreated in the lab the same way skin cells can using stem cells, and we can extensively study the complex connections between neural networks, then it is a possibility that we can possibly recreate brains that are fully functional and unique. If this idea is successful enough, we can recreate brains of different age groups, which can be used to study the nature of brain disorders and ailments that we currently do not have complete knowledge or control over.
So How Can We Create a Brain?
The process of creating a functional brain starts with cell generation. Current technologies make it possible to create nerve cells, thanks to the advancements in the generation of stem cells and tissues as mentioned earlier. Subsequently, we need to establish the connections between these cells. Cells rely on a support system called an extracellular matrix, composed of proteins and carbohydrates, which play a crucial role in their structural integrity, signaling, and interactions with the environment. Furthermore, there are other vital factors to consider in the cell and tissue environments such as temperature, pH, growth factors, and both internal and external stimuli. Because the brain connects the entire body and facilitates every thought, motion, and feeling, recreating that level of complexity poses a significant challenge. However, the recent innovations in neural interfaces and neurological implantable devices bring this goal within reach.
Limitations and Ethical Considerations
While neural engineering exists as a potential method of creating artificial brains, it is important to recognize that human brains, due to their complexity and intricate functions, are one of the hardest tissues to work with. The brain interacts with many of the vital systems in the human body such as the respiratory and immune systems. However, if we break this barrier and can recreate functional brains with all of their potential capabilities, it unlocks a new front to the study of brain disorders and treatments and opens up possibilities for enhancing cognitive abilities beyond what we have seen so far. Additionally, this intersection between engineering and neuroscience has the ability to revolutionize fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and human-computer interaction.
However, there are significant ethical considerations surrounding the artificial creation of complex human brains. Questions about consciousness, identity, and the nature of being human arise when discussing the possibility of engineering brains. So far, most cases of stem cell and neural engineering have only been tested in animals and a limited scope of human bodies. Thus, ensuring the safety and efficacy of artificially created brains would require extensive testing and is a process of trial and error.
Conclusion
Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of artificial brain engineering are vast. From advancing our understanding of the brain to developing innovative treatments and therapies, the intersection between engineering and neuroscience holds promise for improving human health and quality of life. Furthermore, the implications of artificial brain engineering extend far beyond the realm of medicine. The development of fully functional artificial brains could revolutionize fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and human-computer interaction.
Thus, by fostering the collaboration between the disciplines of neuroscience, technology, and engineering, we can ensure that the pursuit of artificial brain engineering leads to a future that is beneficial to humanity and more.
Works Cited
Alberts B, Johnson A, Lewis J, et al. Molecular Biology of the Cell. 4th edition. New York: Garland Science; 2002. Stem-Cell Engineering. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm. nih.gov/books/NBK26855/
Duru, L.N., Quan, Z., Qazi, T.J. et al. Stem cells technology: a powerful tool behind new brain treatments. Drug Deliv. and Transl. Res. 8, 1564–1591 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13346-018-0548-y
Ereifej, E. S., Shell, C. E., Schofield, J. S., Charkhkar, H., Cuberovic, I., Dorval, A. D., Graczyk, E. L., Y Kozai, T. D., Otto, K. J., Tyler, D. J., Welle, C. G., Widge, A. S., Zariffa, J., Moritz, C. T., Bourbeau, D. J., & Marasco, P. D. (2019). Neural engineering: The process, applications, and its role in the future of medicine. Journal of Neural Engineering, 16(6), 063002. https://doi.org/10.1088/1741-2552/ab4869
Michigan Technological University. (n.d.). What is biomedical engineering? https://www.mtu.edu/biomedical/department/what-is/
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Brain basics: The life and death of a neuron. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/public-education/brain-basics/brain-basics-life-and-death-neuron
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.-a). Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering. https://www.nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/tissue-engineering-and-regenerative-medicine
