Artistic depiction of artificial synapse. Image source: Utrecht University
Scientists from Utrecht University in the Netherlands and Sogang University in South Korea have developed a new type of artificial synapse. Unlike traditional solid-material-based artificial synapses, this new synapse is based on the medium of water and salt found in the human brain. This research demonstrates for the first time that a medium system similar to the human brain can process complex information. The related paper was published in the latest issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
In order to enhance the efficiency of traditional computers, scientists have been seeking inspiration from the human brain to mimic its extraordinary abilities in various ways. These efforts have advanced the development of neuromorphic computing. However, while the human brain operates using water and dissolved salt ions as a medium, most brain-inspired computers currently rely on traditional solid materials.
Synapses are the channels responsible for transmitting signals between neurons in the brain. The artificial synapse created by the researchers measures 150 micrometers by 200 micrometers and is called an ion-electronic memristor. It consists of a conical microchannel filled with water and salt ions, capable of mimicking synaptic behavior.
The research team explains that upon receiving an electrical pulse, ions in the solution migrate through the channel, leading to changes in ion concentration. Variations in pulse strength result in changes in channel conductivity, reflecting the strengthening or weakening of connections between neurons. The degree of conductivity change can represent the input signal, while the channel length affects the time required for concentration changes. This suggests that by adjusting the channel length, information can be retained and processed at different time intervals, resembling the synaptic mechanism observed in the human brain.
One of the lead researchers, Tim Kaminsama from Utrecht University, points out that previous artificial synapses capable of processing complex information were based on solid materials. Their study demonstrates for the first time that information processing can also be achieved using water and salt. The new artificial synapse not only mimics the communication patterns of the human brain but also utilizes the same medium, laying the foundation for developing computing systems that can more faithfully replicate the extraordinary capabilities of the human brain.
(Original title: Artificial synapse using water and salt as a medium emerges, paving the way for neuromorphic computing systems)
