Scientists Discover Non-Living Hydrogel Can Play And Improve At Pong

As a seasoned gamer with decades under my belt, I’ve seen it all – from pixelated classics like Pong to the latest AAA titles. But nothing quite compares to this recent discovery that non-living hydrogels can not only play Pong but improve their gameplay over time!


Researchers found out that the versatile material, hydrogel, could enhance the gaming experience when used in the classic video game Pong.

According to research published in the Cell Press journal, scientists successfully connected non-living hydrogels with electrical stimulation within a virtual gaming space, enabling these hydrogels to enhance their performance in the game by up to 10% through practice. This improvement also led to longer rallies between the paddles and a higher hit rate. The hydrogel reached its optimal “Pong” level after 20 minutes, as stated in the journal.

According to Vincent Strong, a robotics engineer from the University of Reading, our research demonstrated that hydrogels aren’t just capable of playing Pong – they can improve their skills at it with practice over time.

Further study is required, however, the researchers found that certain non-living materials, such as hydrogels, possess a form of memory that allows them to adapt to changes in their surrounding conditions, essentially learning about their immediate environment.

As someone who has always been fascinated by the mysteries of the human mind and its potential for learning and adaptation, I find the latest study that was inspired by a test conducted years ago on a dish of brain cells playing Pong absolutely captivating. It’s incredible to think that researchers have managed to teach even a small collection of brain cells to play such a simple yet engaging video game. This discovery not only opens up new avenues for understanding the intricacies of the human brain but also holds immense potential for future advancements in fields like artificial intelligence and neuroscience. I can’t wait to see where this line of research leads us!

Read More

2024-08-23 23:38