A Science Fiction Writer's Wet Dream Come True

"Researchers get neurons and silicon talking from PhysOrg.com:
European researchers have created an interface between mammalian neurons and silicon chips. The development is a crucial first step in the development of advanced technologies that combine silicon circuits with a mammal’s nervous system..."

Carbon is the basis for life as we know it, in large part because carbon permits for several (four) bonds with other moolecules. The only other element that has this potential is silicon, which mimics carbon somewhat in that it also allows for several (four) bonds. What would silicon-based life look like? How might it compare to carbon-based life? Could silicon-based life be a man-induced evolutionary leap?