I hope the researchers some how finds a way to treat brain injuries, diseases or disorders, especially if this is something that can be achieved in few days.
For example, folks like Jeff Hawkins are obsessed with ML techniques that mimic human neurons. This might give them a way to study and discover properties of neural networks.
That's the first step into tricking an ubiquitous lifeform, such as a fungus or bacterium into a computer. It comes as no particular surprise to me that teaching living cells to think would turn out easier than doing the same with rocks.
My blood is probably smarter than me. It provides me with everything and appears so self-sufficient as long as I keep it happy with nutrients and solvent.
