Singapore Launches World's First Data Center Using Human Brain Cells

Singapore has unveiled what it claims is the world's first autonomously operated data center powered by human brain cells. Developed by the National University of Singapore (NUS) School of Medicine in partnership with Singapore-based data center operator DayOne and Australian biotech firm Cortical Labs, the system represents a significant leap in biological computing.

The facility utilizes 20 CL1 biological computers, each containing at least 200,000 lab-grown human neurons cultured on silicon chips equipped with electrodes. These neurons, derived from reprogrammed blood cells, communicate via electrical signals, converting their activity into computational power. The system is described by its developers as the first of its kind, an integrated biological server rack capable of autonomous operation.

Hon Weng Chong, founder and CEO of Cortical Labs, stated that the prototype transitions biological computing from research to commercial application. He believes this technology can augment artificial intelligence (AI), especially in scenarios with limited data and changing conditions. Potential uses span drug discovery, humanoid robotics, cybersecurity, and fraud detection.

Compared to conventional data centers that require substantial energy for servers and cooling systems, this biological approach operates on a significantly smaller fraction of electricity. The maintenance involves providing nutrients, a sugar-based mixture, micronutrients, and pH buffers to the cells every three days, alongside a gas system supplying carbon dioxide, oxygen, and nitrogen. This lab-like upkeep contrasts sharply with the extensive infrastructure of traditional server rooms.