I found an article on this topic in Discovery magazine (Dec 06). The online version isn't very helpful, so here's an excerpt form wired.com

http://www.wired.com/news/technology/medtech/0,71457-0.html

Basically, they cultured rat neurons on an electrical sensor. Then, they connected it to a digital interface. The robotic rats display primitive functions controlled by the neurons on the petri dish.

Is this new technology? Sounds interesting to me.

fascinating stuff

I want to fuse my brain with as computer so badly. I can't wait for the next few decades of development in this field.