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It may seem like science fiction, but over the past decade scientists have been using stem cells to grow so-called \u201cmini brains.\u201d Researchers prefer the term brain organoids, a collection of human cells in a petri dish that mimic the structure and cell types of our own brains. They\u2019ve been used to study diseases like cancer and Parkinson\u2019s, and evaluate potential treatments, but now the research is becoming more sophisticated, and that\u2019s raising big concerns. Could they become conscious? Should we even be experimenting on our own cells? WSJ\u2019s Alex Ossola explores the advantages, and potential issues, as scientists look to use brain organoids to test new medicines or even replace the chips in our computers.\xa0\n\n\n\nFurther reading:\xa0\n\nScientists Grow Human Cells in Rat Brains to Study Autism, Schizophrenia\xa0\n\nEngineered Mini Brain Models Show Patterns of Activity That Resemble Babies\u2019\xa0\n\nStartup Uses \u2018Mini Brains\u2019 and Software to Power Drug Research\xa0\n\nThomas Hartung\u2019s laboratory at Johns Hopkins University\xa0\n\nPaola Arlotta\u2019s laboratory at Harvard University\xa0\n\nThe Brainstorm Project\xa0\n\n\n\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices