Title (Proposed): "The Brain of Machines: From Neural Networks to Living Cells" "Intelligence Beyond Boundaries: When AI Meets Life" "The Mystery of Learning: How Do Machines (and Brain Cells) Think?" Objective: To introduce the audience to the concept of Artificial Intelligence and Neural Networks, to present the innovation of using biological neurons in computers, and to pose simple ethical and future questions, in a way understandable for all ages. Duration: ~10 minutes SCRIPT PROPOSAL (0:00 - 1:00) Introduction: Welcome to the world of Artificial Intelligence! Images: Quick switching between impressive, everyday examples of AI: face-recognizing cell phones, driverless cars, games that play "by themselves", smart assistants (e.g. Siri, Alexa). Dynamic and contemporary background music. Narration: "Look around you. Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is everywhere! From your favorite mobile app to the most complex robots, AI is changing our world. But what exactly is it? And how does this 'brain' of machines work?" (1:00 - 3:30) The Secret of Learning: Neural Networks Pictures: Brief illustration of a human brain with neurons firing. Transition to simple, colored graphics showing an artificial neural network (circles as neurons, lines as connections). Examples: a computer that "learns" to recognize a cat in a picture or translate a sentence. Narration: "To understand AI, we need to look at our own nature: the human brain. Our brain is filled with billions of neurons, tiny cells that communicate with each other. This is how we learn, think, remember. Scientists were inspired by this and created artificial neural networks ! Imagine a network of 'virtual neurons' inside a computer. These neurons are connected, just like in our brain, and learn from huge amounts of data. The more data they process, the smarter they become, recognizing patterns, making predictions, and solving problems." (3:30 - 7:30) The Revolution: Living Cells on a Computer! Pictures: Introduction with a dramatic image or animation that combines biology and technology. Footage (if available, different graphics) from laboratories showing Petri dishes with cells, microscopes. View of Cortical Labs' "CL1" (with whatever images are available from google search, e.g. the "shoebox-sized device"). Animation showing how biological cells interact with a silicon chip. Short clip or graphic referring to the "Pong" experiment. Narration: "And now, get ready for something truly incredible! What if instead of virtual neurons, we used... real human neurons to build a computer? Sounds like science fiction, right? And yet, it's becoming a reality! A company, Cortical Labs, has created a 'strange new computer' that runs Artificial Intelligence using captive human brain cells ! Imagine: hundreds of thousands of tiny brain cells, alive, in a special nutrient solution, communicating with a computer chip. These biological neural networks can 'learn' and perform tasks. Remember the well-known video game 'Pong'? Well, in 2022, they managed to teach these cells to play 'Pong'! Why is this so important? Energy Saving: These biological computers require much less energy than traditional ones. Learning Speed: They may learn faster and from less data, like a human brain. New Applications: Imagine testing new drugs in such biological systems, or creating a whole new generation of computers that think in a way much closer to our own!" (7:30 - 9:00) Questions and Challenges: The Future Landscape Images: Calmer, more contemplative shots. Perhaps abstract graphics that suggest questions and dilemmas. Narration: "Of course, such a development raises many questions. What are the ethical implications of using living human cells in computers? Where are the boundaries? How do we ensure the safety and responsible use of this incredible technology? It is a field in its very early stages, with many challenges ahead, but also endless possibilities." (9:00 - 10:00) The Future of Intelligence: A Thought Images: Futuristic illustrations, a combination of nature and technology. A quick montage of all the topics covered. Narration: "From simple neural networks powering our applications, to computers that think with living brain cells, the journey of intelligence has just begun. The future of AI is not only technological, but also biological. How will this collaboration change our world? What new discoveries will it bring? Stay tuned, because the history of intelligence is being written now, and you are part of it!"