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by omneity 408 days ago
"Real neurons" but whose neurons are they sourcing? And are all neurons born equal? Should we have a NeuronArena where people submit samples for eval?

@dang, agreed that the product cannot be discussed on technical merits as of now, but I suggest some of the ancillary topics (irrelevant of their technical implementation) such as neuron sourcing might be worth opening.
1 comments
nine_k 408 days ago
Since one batch of neurons is expected to survive "up to 6 months", there should be a way to reload it with new neurons. So neuron sourcing should be a recurring concern. The site says: «Real neurons are cultivated inside a nutrient rich solution, supplying them with everything they need to be healthy. They grow across a silicon chip»; this seems to mean that replacing the neurons would require special skills and knowledge, and maybe even a service contract.
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throwanem 408 days ago
See those three fluid inlets on the back in the render? Or what look a lot like quick-disconnect hose fittings, at least, and no wonder; this is among other things a life support system for brain tissue, and will minimally need to maintain hydration and exhaust waste. Operating the machine at all will certainly require engineering and environmental services only feasibly available in a professionally staffed and maintained laboratory.

That is one of the reasons why the "buy" CTA dispatches to a contact form. They can and must vet potential customers.

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nine_k 408 days ago
Yes, this is a given. I mean that replacing neurons may require a specific knowledge of this machine, and procedures unique to it.

If I were to create such a machine, I'd make the whole top part replaceable, with the bottom part electronic-only. When your neuron culture runs its course, you detach the top part and ship it back to the maker, and buy a new one, with a fresh culture, at a discount. They recycle the top parts by cleaning them and re-populating them with new neurons. The sourcing liability is on them, as is quality control.

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throwanem 407 days ago
Oh, I see what you mean. Something like a packaged eluter for short-lived medical isotopes, sure, that makes sense.
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