Our brains the Next Gen Supercomputers

Moore's law an empirical observation stating that the (in 1965) number of transistors in a chip would double every 2 years. Basically, computing power available at the cheapest cost would go on increasing exponentially.

But there is a limit to this imposed by the emitted heat etc. So does it mean that there are no alternatives to increase computing power? New upcoming technologies like multiprocessor architectures and nano transistors are constantly pushing the limits of scalability. But all these efforts are like maintainence work on a vintage car!

Is there a better solution to our ever increasing computing demands, our need to cut on power and to miniaturise... Yes the answer could lie right on our top - 'our brains'. Yes, everyone agrees that our brains have immense raw computational power with its billions of neurons and heavily connected neural network. It arguably is the best computer around. But is there a way to use it? My answer is yes.. and how goes like this..

Imagine a simple computation like 2 times x where I say x is 5. Before the brain gets to the computation part what goes on would be something like semantical processing to understand the inputs and determine the steps needed to acheive the result. It would first associate 2 with being a numeric entity and then the tougher part would be to build a logical map of the unknown x; assigning it the properties of an abstract entity and then using the brain's contextual ability gained through experience and learning to define the abstractness into a "tangible" quantity or logical parameter. Once that is done 'simple' - but not so simple computation would be done for the result. The brain with its super- developed network of trained neurons would get into the act of multiplying the two. All this for a simple 2 * 5 which a computer could do billions of times a second! The why look on our brain as a supercomputer?

Simply because if the same process(exactly the same as the brain) be carried out in the computer would require groundbreaking techniques to be able to simulate the brain in this regard. Instead lets take the example of a ball thrown from one side of a field to the other and you running to catch it. Your eyes view the trajectory of the ball gauge its speed, calcualte the speed you require to run at to catch it, estimate when to open your hands and when to close them and volla the ball sticks in your hand. The same cannot even be imagined to be emulated by our machines. We are even today way backward in getting them close to doing something similar. Imagine getting the machine to solve the complex differential equations to calculate the trajectory, determine the running speed, time the extension of the hands and their closing and opening. A mathematician would be testimony to the fact that the equations involved are just too complex to compute manually or get the computer to do so. But the brain does it!

So the key finally lies in trying to simulate a given differential equation, a linear equation, a complex formula, a forecasting problem or anything for that matter into a real world scenario. Something like a ball to be catched. Given that the brain does this the best than anything around. We get our solution in the fastest and most efficient manner. Basically, we translate the problem from a pure mathematical equation to a real world situation like juggling balls, catching a ball, opening a door, walking, running, crossing a road just about any general physical activity involved. Each of these activities may entail a separate set of mathematics to be dealt with. Formalise and create the problem situation and feed the corresponding impulses into the brain. The brain treats it as just another event and does the needful. We have our output in no time since most of these actions are impulsive and involve lot of involuntary actions they are quick. Another machine similar to the translator called the inverter which basically does the opposite job that is to convert the neural impulses sent from the brain back to those mathematical equations which are nothing but solutions to our problem.

Although its a little far fetched the idea is certainly thought provoking and considering the advantages demands serious attention. Absolutely no dearth of resources, no power, no wastage, no bio hazards, immense power and scalability, its hard to think of any cons. Moreover one could use the brain of a lesser developed species such as even rats for example since every species knows how to move around, dodge, and fend its food. It's brain surely has all the required neural networks in place to tackle the best of what can be thrown at them!

The Also ran!

This is my first(rather second) attempt to start writing a blog. The first rather unfortunately did not live beyond a single post but managed to give me something that will last a lifetime. Anyways, not to digress atleast on my maiden attempt.
I have been an alsoran all my life. The person who you would see in a photograph standing behind the hero, the person who would be there so that the winner could win, the one who would do everything to win but would just not. I heard the phrase first time in school and ever since fell in love with it. It was the name a quizzing team had used and believe it or not they came second after the kind of photofinish finale i did talk about. Apparently, one of the judges asked what it meant and I caught its meaning while leaving the auditorium in a haste. "The person who always loses"!
Does it in anyway mean that I hate losing? Or that I am writing this out in the depression of not winning? No, its nothing of the sorts. I love the way I am, more than anything else I know of. I have over the period of my life become a jack of all trades and a master of none. Be it any aspect of life I am just never there at the top. In a way I love it because I it has helped learn so much from life. Had I been exceptional in any particular field, I would have become a master at that and a jackass at others. But then why is it that I try to win when I know that I am happy even if I lose. Why do I want to win? But before I ask that question do I really want to win?
It puzzles me if I ask myself that and I realise that I myself dont know what would be better. Breaking out of the habit of an alsoran or being a winner. Hmmmm that would be a tough one!
The truth is I do not want to win. I want to end up in the search for that elusive thing that will get me victory. I as always will keep learning, keep experiencing and keep looking at life from all the possible angles it allows you to. I hope that this way there wouldnt be an experience I wouldnt have had, a thing I wouldnt have done or a stone unturned. Some years down the line when I lie down and am close to my death I would be able to look at not only one type of experiences and moments I cherished but hopefully thousands of them. Compare that to the thoughts running through the mind of a musician or a rocket scientist. What would they be thinking of? About some concerts they performed at, some path breaking discovery or invention that he/she did? At such a time I would just smile, because I have with me something of the everything that life has to offer. From music to science and all so much that I'd be inundated with thoughts and more thoughts. At that time I would also ask myself Who won the final contest? The Game of Life. Them or me?? Surely it would be me. Finally I would experience victory and join them, no longer an alsoran. But a one who lost everything but won the most important contest of all.Life! So I guess it's not bad to lose and its certainly not bad to be an alsoran. Think about it. Life is great-Life is the greatest game! Win it! Live it! Be an alsoran...