The fruit fly larva brain showed astonishing similarities with artificial intelligence (AI). Pathways through the brain were layered on top of each other like ResNets, (artificial neural networks that allow deep networks to better learn tasks), allowing it to pack more power. Many brain pathways contained loops. This was shown particularly in the learning and memory centre, perhaps functioning like a recurrent neural network (artificial neural networks with looping connections).
But even simple brains can perform many tasks well, while AI can only do a good job of one task. Plus, brains are much more efficient, using far less energy than AI. If a brain used enough energy to power a lightbulb to solve a problem, AI might need the energy required to build and drive five cars for 120,000 miles to figure out the same puzzle.
AI is becoming more commonplace, with breakthroughs like ChatGPT. This technology is becoming increasingly energy hungry, with the potential to worsen the current climate crisis. Learning how brains can solve complex problems with minimal energy use will be essential to reduce the carbon footprint of AI.