What a put down for all those gung-ho Top Guns out there!!
From Science Daily
A fascinating article, absolutely packed with Al Franken one-liners ready to roll. Just imagine: rodent neurons seeded on a plate of nutritive solution get the hang of flying a fighter jet (through a flight simulator which presents the machine as the brain cells' body) pretty quick, convincing without a codpiece. Whereas your pResident was grounded and deserted rather than even try.
Here's an idea, among many: can we put Butch in a plate of nutritive solution and find out if we can get him to work properly, or at least as well as a bunch of rodent neurons?
How about a brainstorming? Any other ideas? link to story in extended version.
Here's an except of the article you'll find at:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/10/041022104658.htm
DeMarse experimental "brain" interacts with an F-22 fighter jet flight simulator through a specially designed plate called a multi-electrode array and a common desktop computer.
[snip]
To control the simulated aircraft, the [cultured rodent] neurons first receive information from the computer about flight conditions: whether the plane is flying straight and level or is tilted to the left or to the right. The neurons then analyze the data and respond by sending signals to the plane's controls. Those signals alter the flight path and new information is sent to the neurons, creating a feedback system.
.../....
Though serious-minded people might worry that an Air Force powed by rat-brains might has potential for rapid loss of control....