In a groundbreaking development, scientists have successfully created the first brain-like computer using water and salt. This achievement marks a significant step forward in the field of iontronic neuromorphic computing, bringing us closer to replicating the extraordinary capabilities of the human brain.
The device, known as an iontronic memristor, is a cone-shaped microchannel filled with a solution of water and salt. When it receives electrical impulses, ions within the liquid migrate through the channel, leading to alterations in ion concentration. This process mirrors the activity of neurons in the human brain, effectively replicating neuronal behavior using a system that employs the same medium as the brain.
The Artificial Synapse
The key to this breakthrough lies in the artificial synapse, which transmits signals between neurons and sends commands to the body. Researchers have built a tiny synapse measuring 150 by 200 micrometers, roughly the width of three or four human hairs. This artificial synapse can mimic neuronic behavior, with the length of the channel affecting how long it takes for concentration changes to dissipate. Electric input changes the liquid’s ion concentration, mirroring the electrical signals fired off by neurons in the human brain.