Neurobots: Functional Neurons Implanted in Biobots Drive Complex Behavior

Scientists have created "neurobots" by implanting neural precursor cells from frogs into developing spherical biobots. These implanted cells matured into functional neurons, extending axons and dendrites throughout the biobots.

Investigating Neural Organization and Biobot Movement

The research aimed to investigate how neurons organize independently and modify biobot movement within a novel biological structure. This approach allowed for the study of neuronal behavior in a system capable of exhibiting behavior, unlike traditional lab dish studies.

Neural Development and Network Formation

Microscopy revealed that neurons within the neurobots developed characteristics of real nervous systems, including axons, dendrites, and protein markers associated with synapses. Calcium imaging further demonstrated electrical activity and the formation of primitive neural networks.

Visible and Measurable Changes in Neurobots

The addition of neurons resulted in visible and measurable changes in the neurobots. They grew larger and more elongated than non-neural biobots.

Their movement patterns also differed, with neurobots displaying complex, repeating movements and less stationary behavior.

Evidence of Active Nervous System Influence

Experiments using pentylenetetrazole, a drug known to affect brain activity, altered the movement patterns of neurobots differently than non-neural biobots. This suggested that the newly formed nervous systems were actively influencing the neurobots' behavior.

Unexpected Gene Activation for Visual Perception

Unexpectedly, gene activation for visual perception, including genes associated with light-sensitive cells in eyes, was observed. Researchers hypothesize this might prepare neurobots for developing novel functions, such as perceiving and responding to light cues, if they were to exist for longer durations.