Recently, scientists at Ohio State University have discovered how to create a genetic equivalent to the human brain. In the future, these  “mini brains” may help prevent or cure many diseases. They can also be used to help researchers test new drugs. Scientists are able to pull off this amazing feat by “taking skin cells, reverting them back to the basic stage of development, and teaching them how to turn into cells that make up the brain.”  Scientist have just started making these extraordinary mini brains less than a decade ago.  According to a Harvard Medical Pioneer, it is an “ incredible achievement, quantum leap forward in the battle against cancer, autism, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s diseases.”

The mini brains are actually scientifically called brain organoids, or “pieces of human tissue growing in petri-dishes from skin cells.” These mini brains are not as powerful as a normal human brain. In order for the mini brain to meet the official definition of a brain, it would need a vascular system and a sensory input.  We use our five senses to gather information, which the brain processes. The brain organoid does not have any senses, so it is not possible for it to function and perform alone.

If scientists figure out how to “put the brain into a Artificial Intelligence (AI) that has sensory input”, it could mean that robots might be able to function on their own with the brain organoids. Although, this experiment is still at a very early stage, biomedical researcher Rene Anand says, “It’s like we’re climbing Mount Everest and we’re at Base Camp One. You know, you have to stop, get your oxygen together, then move up to the next step. So, we’ve still got a ways to go.” Scientist say that in maybe 10 years the mini brain will have a breakthrough. This is clearly one phenomenal revelation!