Teaching a Neuron to Learn, Store Data, Retrieve Knowledge, and Perform Adaptive Thinking
For Immediate Release: April 29, 2022
BCM’s forthcoming Tissue Operating Device (TOD™) family of real neural computers employ living neurons to power data processing. Live neurons are living cells and act differently than an inanimate silicon chip device. Live neurons can and do assemble knowledge (AK), perform adaptive thinking (AT) and use these complementary capabilities to offer users the ability to employ and benefit from intuitive neural intelligence.
Classical digital (silicon-based) computers can be programed to provide artificial intelligence (AI); while real neural computers will deliver intuitive neural intelligence – “actual” intelligence. In specific applications, the difference between “artificial” and “actual” intelligence will be hugely significant.
However, the massive advantage of neural over digital processing derives from intuitive neural intelligence. This is imbedded in the ability of a neural processor to adeptly think and solve problems without specific directions.
All neurons require training and a focus on a particular task, but once the application programmer or user has completed this process, the neural processing activities will rapidly and massively expand without the need for specific directions from the user.
All neurons require training, but once completed
related neural processing activities will rapidly
and massively expand without the need for specifics
As a recognizable example, consider teaching a new puppy’s neurons to perform tasks such as: fetch a ball, stay, sit, or rollover. Start with a green tennis ball. With commands, pointing, walking through the process with the pup, and rewards, the puppy leans that fetching the ball is to be completed upon hearing the “Fetch” command.
The next step is to throw a frisbee. Fetching a frisbee is NOT the same as fetching a green tennis ball. To the pup, this is a new and expanded task. A specific task which has not been programmed into the pup’s neurons. The degree of training to get the pup to fetch the frisbee will depend upon the pup’s breed, age, and skills – and the skills of the owner-trainer. But the pup will employ AK and AT neural processing to minimize the needed training. Some pups may need no training, intuitively connecting the idea of fetching a frisbee with the task of fetching the ball based on the “fetch” command.
This is a simple illustration of the process whereby neurons, without specific detailed step-by-step instructions, have the ability to compare and contrast, to analyze and differentiate, to accumulate, store, and retrieve knowledge, to self-perform AK and AT processing tasks, and to make informed, intelligent decisions in real-time.
The neural processing capabilities of a TOD™ neural computer are equivalent to the natural learning or training capabilities of a puppy. Neural processing with TOD™ does not require or rely on detailed step-by-step instructions to provide results. Similar to the puppy, a TOD™ user must train the neurons and support the process of neural learning prior to issuing general guidelines or a basic “go solve this problem” request.
This advanced intuitive ability of neurons to lean, assemble knowledge and perform adaptive thinking is a natural, innate capability of neurons. As illustrated in the Figure, these tasks and events occur within the nerve cell and its DNA.
In a 2015 study, scientists Prabu and Kumar reviewed the progress of biological system and natural molecular computers – i.e., neural processing. They reported on the ability of neurons to load, store, and retrieve data within the DNA of living cells. Their report validates the ability of DNA to support memory, data storage and archiving. To demonstrate the basic storage and retrieval capabilities of DNA, Harvard researchers encoded an entire book into genetic molecules and accurately read back the text. The text with illustrations was 5.27 megabits and required almost 55,000 short strands of DNA that held the coded sequence.
Again, the difference between digital and neural processing is important. In digital (silicon-based) computers, connections are made between the computer's internal processing chips only when the user-programmer directs those connections to occur. In contrast, neurons naturally connect to other neurons, forming neural networks that actively thinking, perform AT, and thereby increase the size and scope of the consolidated AK. This flexibility means neural processing solves tasks and problems without specific direction from the user. Neurons are self-starters and great network builders.
For additional information on TOD™ design, neural learning, Assembled Knowledge, Adaptive Thinking, neural processing, and related subjects, please visit the BCM Industries website or contact BCM.
