What's on the Chip, Abby?

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Scientists in Australia have taught neurons to play pong. They first tried neurons directly out of a mouse embryo. And the other way they wanted to try was from human pluripotent stem cells. The scientists are also able to control the computer via the output region, which could be thought of as the motor area on the chip.

When America’s Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, the conventional wisdom was that it would help Democrats by galvanising them for the midterm elections. Two weeks away from Election Day, the picture isn’t quite so clear. We meet Russia’s ruthless new battlefield commander. And what scientists can learn from training nerve cells to play Pong. For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer