Original source (on modern site) | Article images: [1]
The artificial brain cells, developed by the team from Utrecht University in the Netherlands and Sogang University in South Korea, use the same water and salt ingredients the human brain uses.Story highlights
In a path-breaking study, researchers have created artificial neurological junctions called synapses using a mix of water and salt, paving the way for the development of advanced computers that mimic the performance of a human brain. The artificial brain cells, developed by the team from Utrecht University in the Netherlands and Sogang University in South Korea, use the same water and salt ingredients the brain uses.
The results of the study were published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Scientists striving to develop energy efficient and high-performance computers often look up to human brains as a source of inspiration.
But guess what, human brains use water and dissolved salt particles called ions as their medium. On the other hand, current advanced computer systems rely on conventional solid materials for the same function.
Watch: Israel-Hamas War: Hamas says studying new Israeli truce proposal
So, the recent study can lead to further scientific development towards the ambition of creating an artificial human brain.
"It represents a crucial advancement toward computers not only capable of mimicking the communication patterns of the human brain but also utilising the same medium," says theoretical physicist Tim Kamsma from Utrecht University.
The device that scientists have created is called an Iontronic memristor, which carries water and salt inside. The cone-shaped device is just 150 by 200 micrometres wide, the same width as three or four human hairs put side-by-side.
It remembers how much electrical charge has previously flowed through it. Electrical impulses cause ions to move through the cone-shaped channel, with variations in the electrical charge leading to variations in the ion movement.
"While artificial synapses capable of processing complex information already exist based on solid materials, we now show for the first time that this feat can also be accomplished using water and salt," says Kamsma.
"We are effectively replicating neuronal behaviour using a system that employs the same medium as the brain."
(With inputs from agencies)
< Back to 68k.news BE front page![[1]](image.php?loc=BE&i=https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/2024/03/16/418845-65959b43afaaa1a89d157f91brain-fog-blog-01.jpg){kind=link}