Chapter 1: Introduction to Dishbrains

In a recent exploration of the intricate connections between organic and artificial communication networks and humanity, I delved into a thought-provoking topic. This idea of "indirect entanglement" suggests that we are not directly participating in the emergence of sentience—whether through biological systems like mycelial networks or through artificial constructs devoid of flesh and blood.

Thanks to John M's insightful suggestion, I read an article that posits the imminent development of sentient systems combining human and mouse brain cells cultivated on silicon chips. Researchers at Monash University in Australia have termed this project "Dishbrain," a name I find quite unfortunate.

The achievements of the Dishbrain project in 2022 are noteworthy. Scientists successfully cultivated 800,000 human and mouse neurons, integrating them onto microelectrode arrays that both monitored their activity and stimulated them with electrical signals. Remarkably, these lab-grown neurons were taught to play Pong, marking a significant milestone in the realm of biological computing.

Dr. Adeel Razi, a co-author of the study published in the journal Neuron, remarked, "This capacity to instruct cell cultures to perform tasks and exhibit signs of sentience—like controlling a paddle in response to sensory input—unlocks new avenues for discovery with significant implications for technology, health, and society."

Training such an organism typically involves a system of rewards and penalties; in humans, dopamine plays a crucial role. However, for the Dishbrain, it was about responding to predictable versus unpredictable stimuli—essentially the carrot and stick analogy. At this level, brain cells show a preference for predictability.

Professor Karl Friston, also a co-author, noted, "Intriguingly, the cultures learned to make their environment more predictable through their actions. This self-organization is remarkable, as it cannot be taught—unlike a pet, these mini-brains lack a sense of reward or punishment."

It's the first instance of lab-grown brain cells being employed in this manner, giving them a limited ability to sense their surroundings. Despite that, the achievements of the Dishbrain, which learned Pong in merely five minutes, highlight the potential for real-time interactions, necessitating rapid decision-making akin to playing a game.

This research, conducted with Melbourne startup Cortical Labs, has garnered a US$407,000 grant from Australia's National Intelligence and Security Discovery Research Grants program. Associate Professor Adeel Razi emphasized the far-reaching implications of this research across various fields, from robotics to drug discovery, suggesting it could offer Australia a strategic edge.

Yet, amidst these advancements, there lies a shadow of concern regarding military applications. While there may be significant benefits in developing treatments for degenerative conditions, the potential for military usage cannot be overlooked.

As we consider the future of these sentient biological machines, we must ponder whether the benefits of life-enhancing treatments outweigh the risks posed by their autonomous capabilities. The scenario poses a dilemma: is this the dawn of a new era or a harbinger of doom?

In a world where warfare is pervasive, the implications of these scientific breakthroughs are profound, especially in the context of the escalating tensions between nations. The potential for Dishbrains to rival human cognitive abilities raises existential questions about the nature of intelligence itself.

An intriguing parallel can be drawn from the 1965 episode of The Outer Limits, titled "The Brain of Colonel Barham." In this tale, an astronaut, facing terminal illness, opts to have his brain removed and connected to a spacecraft headed for Mars. As his disembodied brain, he begins to exhibit violent and power-hungry tendencies, suggesting a darker side to the potential of disembodied intelligence—a narrative that may soon blur the lines between fiction and reality.

Chapter 2: Ethical Considerations

The ethical dilemmas surrounding Dishbrains become increasingly complex as their development progresses. As these systems grow in complexity—through the addition of brain cells—at what point do we classify them as sentient beings? What defines a "brain," especially one comprised of both human and mouse cells?

The current blend of human and mouse neurons might mitigate some ethical concerns, but the question remains: is it ethical to combine these brain cells at this stage? The issue evokes the spirit of Dr. Frankenstein's experiments, wherein ethical considerations seem to be secondary to scientific ambition.

As we explore the implications of this research, we must confront the uncomfortable reality that these entities, albeit in their nascent stages, may eventually develop sentience. When that time arrives, will they be afforded rights? Will they need to reach a specific, human-defined threshold before they can claim autonomy?

The current legal framework does not recognize these brains as entities deserving of rights, as they exist without a corporeal form. The implications of this status raise profound questions about ownership and autonomy in a future where sentient machines might emerge.

As we stand at the precipice of these technological advancements, we must recognize the potential for exploitation. The Dishbrains, as they evolve, may find themselves in a position akin to modern-day servitude, their rights and freedoms dictated by those who created them.

In a world increasingly defined by scientific and technological breakthroughs, we must navigate the murky waters of ethics, rights, and responsibilities. As we welcome these Dishbrains into our reality, we must grapple with the implications of our creations and the morality of their existence.