89. Brain Organelles, AI, and the Other Scary Science - An Interview with GT (Part I)

This conversation explores the topic of brain organoids and their integration with robots. The discussion covers the development and capabilities of brain organoids, the ethical implications of their use, and the differences between sentience and consciousness. The conversation also delves into the efficiency of human neural networks compared to artificial neural networks, the presence of sleep in brain organoids, and the potential for genetic memories in these structures. The episode concludes with an invitation to part two of the interview and a mention of the podcast's Patreon offering a commercial-free version of the episode. Takeaways * Brain organoids are capable of firing neural signals and forming structures similar to those in the human brain during development. * The ethical implications of using brain organoids in research and integrating them with robots raise important questions about sentience and consciousness. * Human neural networks are more efficient than artificial neural networks, but the reasons for this efficiency are still unknown. * Brain organoids exhibit sleep-like patterns and can undergo dendrite growth, potentially indicating learning capabilities. * Collaboration between scientists with different thinking skill sets is crucial for advancing research in brain organoids and related fields. Chapters 1. 00:00 Introduction: Brain Organoids and Robots 2. 00:39 Brain Organoids and Development 3. 01:21 Ethical Implications of Brain Organoids 4. 03:14 Summary and Introduction to Guest 5. 03:41 Sentience and Consciousness in Brain Organoids 6. 04:10 Neuron Count and Pain Receptors in Brain Organoids 7. 05:00 Unanswered Questions and Discomfort 8. 05:25 Psychological Discomfort in Brain Organoids 9. 06:21 Early Videos and Brain Organoid Learning 10. 07:20 Efficiency of Human Neural Networks 11. 08:12 Sleep in Brain Organoids 12. 09:13 Delta Brainwaves and Brain Organoids 13. 10:11 Creating Brain Organoids with Specific Components 14. 11:10 Genetic Memories in Brain Organoids 15. 12:07 Efficiency and Learning in Human Brains 16. 13:00 Sequential Memory and Chimpanzees 17. 14:18 Different Thinking Skill Sets and Collaboration 18. 16:13 ADHD and Hyperfocusing 19. 18:01 Ethical Considerations in Brain Research 20. 19:23 Understanding Genetic Mutations 21. 20:51 Brain Organoids in Rat Bodies 22. 22:14 Dendrite Growth in Brain Organoids 23. 23:11 Duration of Dendrite Growth 24. 24:26 Genetic Memory Transfer in Brain Organoids 25. 25:19 Social Media Presence of Brain Organoid Companies 26. 26:15 Brain Organoids Controlling Robot Spiders 27. 27:14 Conclusion and Invitation to Part 2 References: Muotri Labs (Brain Organelle piloting Spider Robot) [https://pediatrics.ucsd.edu/research/faculty-labs/muotri-lab/index.html] Cortical Labs (Brain Organelle's trained to play Pong) [https://corticallabs.com/] *For a copy of the episode transcript, email us at breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com  Help Support The Podcast by clicking on the links below: * Start YOUR podcast on ZenCastr!   Use my special link  ZenCastr Discount [https://zen.ai/1e7eBWWMLcSL_G10VxiSlQ] to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan * Visit our Patreon [http://www.patreon.com/breakingmath] Summary:

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Breaking Math is a deep-dive science, technology, engineering, AI, and mathematics podcast that explores the world through the lens of logic, patterns, and critical thinking. Hosted by Autumn Phaneuf, an expert in industrial engineering, operations research and applied mathematics, and Gabriel Hesch, an electrical engineer (host from 2016-2024) with a passion for mathematical clarity, the show is dedicated to uncovering the mathematical structures behind science, engineering, technology, and the systems that shape our future. What began as a conversation about math as a pure and elegant discipline has evolved into a platform for bold, interdisciplinary dialogue. Each episode of Breaking Math takes listeners on an intellectual journey—whether it’s into the strange beauty of chaos theory, the ethical dilemmas of AI, the deep structures of biological evolution, or the thermodynamics of black holes. Along the way, Autumn and Gabriel interview leading thinkers and working scientists from across the spectrum: computer scientists, quantum physicists, chemists, philosophers, neuroscientists, and more. But this isn’t just a podcast about equations—it’s a show about how mathematics influences the way we think, create, build, and understand. Breaking Math pushes back against the idea that STEM belongs behind a paywall or an academic podium. It’s for the curious, the critical, the creative—for anyone who believes that ideas should be rigorous, accessible, and infused with wonder. If you've ever wondered: * What’s the math behind machine learning? * How do we quantify uncertainty in climate models? * Can consciousness be described in AI? * Why does beauty matter in an equation? Then you’re in the right place. At its heart, Breaking Math is about building bridges—between disciplines, between experts and the public, and between the abstract world of mathematics and the messy, magnificent reality we live in. With humor, clarity, and deep respect for complexity, Autumn and Gabriel invite you to rethink what math can be—and how it can help us shape a better future. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Website: https://breakingmath.io [https://breakingmath.io/] Linktree: https://linktr.ee/breakingmathmedia Email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com