Thomas Hartung: Merging Brain Organoid and AI Technologies to Accelerate Basic and Applied Research

Professor Thomas Hartung has made a major impact in biomedical research by developing and promoting alternatives to animal research. His efforts are leading to more ethical and efficient approaches to basic and applied research in the fields of environmental toxicology, drug development, and neuroscience. In this episode I talk with Thomas about two major flourishing technologies – brain organoids and artificial intelligence – and  how they are being rapidly incorporated into both basic and translational research.  He provides an historical perspective on the overzealous and unnecessary use of lab animals for toxicology and drug development and then delves into emerging research on ‘organoid intelligence’ and the relationships and interactions of brain organoids and AI.  A very thought-provoking conversation.

LINKS

Organoid Intelligence webpage: https://organoidintelligence.org/

AI and alternative texting of toxins and drugs: https://www.altex.org/index.php/altex/issue/view/166

Brain Organoids and Organoid Intelligence articles

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10013972/pdf/frai-06-1116870.pdf

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10796793/pdf/frai-06-1307613.pdf