For years, scientists have been attempting to replicate in silicon the functions of neurons – the nerve cells that are the fundamental units of the human brain.
Now researchers at the University of Bath claim to have done it.
The achievement rests on three breakthroughs, the developers say:
- they developed a mathematical method to model the parameters that control a neuron’s actions;
- they engineered hardware to embody the model;
- they made their silicon neurons flexible to be able to mimic the workings of a variety of brain functions.
The team used a series of electrical measurements to show their new neurons could mimic the full range of basic operations of living neurons in the hippocampus, the brain’s seat of memory and learning, and also the neurons controlling respiration.
TRENDPOST: The chips are years away, at least, from being implanted in humans. When they are, they could restore brain function lost to Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s diseases or serve as pacemakers to regulate damaged hearts or other organs, among other brain boosts.
Meanwhile, they can serve as research platforms for bioscientists studying neurons’ functions and interactions.
Ultimately, the silicon neurons could be adopted by those like Elon Musk who are attempting to create interfaces between computers and human brains.
Photo credit: University of Bath