Russian scientists believe humans can “peacefully coexist” with AI
In their research, scientists connected a rat’s brain to artificial intelligence, enabling it to answer hundreds of scientific questions.
Developers at the Neiry biotech laboratory, in collaboration with scientists from Moscow State University (MSU), connected a rat’s brain to artificial intelligence. As a result, the rat, with AI “hints,” can press “yes” or “no” keys to respond to any questions. MSU described this as a revolution that could allow for “peaceful coexistence” between AI and humans, according to Forbes.
In their press release, Neiry emphasized that this experiment was conducted “for the first time in the world” and explained how it works: “An invasive neurointerface is implanted into the rat’s brain, with electrodes that stimulate specific areas. The interface works in tandem with AI. Scientists ask any question orally to the rat, named Pythia, and the AI guides her toward the correct answer via brain stimulation. When Pythia senses a certain feeling, she responds with ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ ‘When she feels a pull in her stomach, it’s a ‘no,’ and when she senses it with her heart, it’s a ‘yes.’”
In a video provided by Neiry’s press office, Pythia answers “yes” by pressing the appropriate key to the question, “Are you a rat?” and presses “no” for the question, “Is two plus two five?” For correct answers, Pythia receives a reward. According to the scientists, Pythia can answer “yes” or “no” to various questions on topics like physics, history, and mathematics and has already answered hundreds of scientific questions on quasars, myelin sheaths, the Python language, and more.
“Likewise, in the foreseeable future, anyone with an implanted neurointerface will be able to do the same,” Neiry’s press office stated.
MSU described this development as a breakthrough that could allow AI and humans to “peacefully coexist.” They believe AI will handle tasks such as memorizing, processing, and transferring vast amounts of information to the natural brain, while the human brain will focus on creativity, intuition, and consciousness. Neiry adds that human evolution is moving toward increased efficiency, and this project “advances humanity to the next level, where AI will serve as a loyal and reliable symbiotic assistant.”
Previously, the UOJ reported that in January 2024, Musk announced his company had implanted a neural chip in a human for the first time. On March 20, he released a video showcasing this individual.
