Scientists are building a 'biological computer' powered by human brain cells

This article does feel to me like we are at a crossroads. The potential upside for understanding neurological diseases (by essentially creating a "disease in a dish" to test therapies on) is huge. It could also unlock entirely new paradigms for computing that aren't bound by the limitations of silicon.

That said, the ethical implications are staggering and feel far beyond what current research guidelines are equipped to handle. We're not talking about a simulation anymore; we're talking about using functional human brain tissue as a component.

The question "is it conscious?" is no longer just philosophical or hypothetical. At what density and connectivity of neurons does a subjective experience emerge? We need a serious, global conversation about the ethics of this right now, because the technology is clearly moving faster than our ability to comprehend its consequences.