Scientists from Utrecht University in the Netherlands and Sogang University in South Korea have conducted a groundbreaking study. Using two very simple things that everyone has at home: salt and water, researchers a functional brain cell managed to create.

In their research they developed a device that allows brain cells to communicate using salt and water. simulate synapses He succeeded. The research results were recently published on PNAS.

It can work like a brain!

Scientists stated that their research was inspired by the workings of the human brain. So they were inspired by the use of ion particles dissolved in water to transmit signals in neurons. Let us note that an important feature of the brain’s ability to process information is synaptic plasticity. This function is called the changes that occur in synapses and plays an important role in the communication of neurons.

The name of the developed device is “iontronic memristor”. This device can remember how much electrical current has previously passed through it and process information by monitoring the movement of ions. It can mimic synapses. This device brings us one step closer to developing systems comparable to the superpowers of the human brain. 150-200 micrometers long That is, it is slightly larger than the width of a human hair. devices

Artificial synapses have been made before with solid materials. But for the first time we see that it can be developed with materials such as water and salt. Tim Kamsma, one of the authors of the study, said of his work:Neuronal behavior using a system similar to the brain We can copy effectively.” he said.

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It is still too early to talk about such technologies. However, if they develop enough in the future, we could see them used for different applications. Time will tell how it will take shape.