Stanford research turns human blood cells into functional neurons

I hope the researchers some how finds a way to treat brain injuries, diseases or disorders, especially if this is something that can be achieved in few days.

3 week Neuron Bootcamp - start your career in the nervous system today!

I am upgrading to SmartBlood(tm) at the earliest opportunity.

I wonder if this has applications in AI.

For example, folks like Jeff Hawkins are obsessed with ML techniques that mimic human neurons. This might give them a way to study and discover properties of neural networks.

That's the first step into tricking an ubiquitous lifeform, such as a fungus or bacterium into a computer. It comes as no particular surprise to me that teaching living cells to think would turn out easier than doing the same with rocks.

Great, soon we will have to take an IQ test before donating blood. :)