So, I keep reading responses such as this on the subject of neuron/brain emulation, and I have a question to ask back. Is it possible to understand a neuron at all? It appears that we have some understanding, given that we can decode some of the electrical and chemical signals coming from them and to them, but it seems that the zeitgeist is that these things are inherently impossible to understand. If so, as a layperson why waste the resources trying to advance this branch of science? (Note I personally fully support advancing this branch of science.) Why not spend the effort on something with positive tangible results, like space travel or clean power?