In Russia, a rat was taught to answer math questions using AI

The scientific team implanted an invasive neural interface in the animal’s brain, whose special areas are stimulated using electrodes. The neural interface works in conjunction with AI, which was finalized by the project team. This is how the rat gained “access to any information on the Internet,” allowing it to “answer any question,” the scientists say.

As part of the experiment, they asked questions verbally and the AI ​​”suggested” the correct answer to the rat through electrical stimulation of the brain. When it was necessary to answer “yes”, the animal experienced a sensation in one place, when “no” – in another. For the correct answer, the rat received a reward.

Researchers said the animal has already answered “hundreds of scientific questions,” including those related to quasars, myelin sheaths, the Python programming language and Albert Einstein’s birthday.

The goal of the experiment is to demonstrate the concept of combining natural and artificial intelligence through invasive neural interfaces. “Is AI a help or a rival to us? How will we live with him? For me, this way we will live well, we will coexist peacefully. When AI is integrated with natural intelligence, they will work together,” explained Moscow State University professor Mikhail Lebedev.

In the future, scientists plan to create a user product that will help “connect the human brain with the knowledge of all humanity,” Neiry said.