Fundamental gravitational research and emerging technologies: The connection

Life Sciences basic research, particularly in the unique area of neuronal plasticity, would seem to be an unlikely source of computer-based technologies. Nevertheless, basic research into the neuronal plasticity of sites of communication (synapses) between gravity-sensing cells and neurons carrying messages to the brain has resulted in technologies of interest to the scientific and medical communities. it has also led to the establishment of a National Institute for Biocomputation that will be a partnership between federal, academic and industrial partners to provide cutting edge resources for the work. This report describes the current state of the art of the technologies developed in the Biocomputation Center, and the objectives of the new National institute in the realm of technology facilitation and transfer.