Slashdot Mirror
Effort to Create Virtual Brain Begins
bryan8m writes "An IBM supercomputer running on 22.8 teraflops of processing power will be involved in an effort to create the first computer simulation of the entire human brain. From the article: 'The hope is that the virtual brain will help shed light on some aspects of human cognition, such as perception, memory and perhaps even consciousness.' It should also help us understand brain malfunctions and 'observe the electrical code our brains use to represent the world.'"
We kill things with consciousness all the time.
A Good Troll is better than a Bad Human.
As far as how much processing power is needed to simulate the brain, I've met quite a few people for whom a C64 and a tape drive would be more than sufficient... and maybe some duct tape.
In 10 years, I bet the first readout will read;
"I think you ought to know that I'm feeling very depressed"
They needed a simple brain to begin their modelling with.
They decided on George W. Bush.
Let's just hope....
hmmm....
I for one welcome our new artificial dumb military overlord.
but what to do with a schizophrenic supercomputer ?
Dual boot!
Give me a shovel and a dark night and I'll get you some real brains, second-hand. And at only 1/2 the cost.
Sincerely,
Igor
Is it a male or a female brain they're simulating?
They work quite differently you know.
Some even speculate that one of those two kinds of brain might need even less than 22.8 Teraflops to simulate.
Guru meditation error. Duct tape in tape drive.
No, send him to space to investigate black slabs. And to operate pod bay doors.
Neutrons are responsible for indifferent behaviour towards females. Recent study shows that slashdotters have enough neutrons emitted from their brain, that, they could be used as substitude of Californium 252.
Electrons decide the level of excitement. Thats why you feel charged, after couple of beers:)
hilarious
As every nerd should know, a 6502 processor is entirely sufficient for travelling in time, impersonating a violent human being and speaking in a barely-comprehensible Austrian accent.
22.8 teraflops of processing power should be enough for anybody.
A fun though struck me when reading the FAQ.
:P
Noone seem to have real contact with murray, and his adress was not really known. He also seem to have a little to much time on is hands, posting huge amounts of usenet posts etc. What if Murray did succeed a long time agoo, and is now letting his virtual brain (that somehow thinks it is murray) do all his spamming for him.
Of course, this theory lacks in many points...