Netherlands Scientists Develop Artificial Human Brain Cells Using Salt And Water

Scientists from Utrecht University in the Netherlands have successfully developed a device that can mimic the brain’s synapses with the help of basic ingredients like salt and water. This device is only 150 to 200 micrometres which relies on salt and water to process the information, much like our brains. The details regarding the creation of this unique device have been published in the journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Even though artificial synapses exist with the ingredients of solid materials, this is the first time an aqueous memristor has been used to create a neuromorphic ( brian-like) computer.

“While artificial synapses capable of processing complex information already exist based on sold materials, we now show for the first time that this feat can also be accomplished using salt and water” said Utrecht University Ph.D. candidate and lead author of the study Tim Kamsma in a press statement.

The researchers at Utrecht University aimed to mimic the neuronal behaviour using a system that employs the same medium as the brain–salt and water. It was then developed by scientists in South Korea. The computing device is known as an Iontronic Memristor. It is shaped like a cone and is packed with a solution of water and salt.

When the device receives an electrical impulse, the ions start migrating through the channel, changing the surrounding ion environment. It forms a neural connection like our brains. If an impulse is particularly strong or long, then the conductivity of the channel adjusts accordingly. The length of the channel also plays a major role in making changes, added kamsma. According to Kamsma, this means that Iontronic Memristors could be tailored to remember previous electrical charges, akin to the synaptic mechanisms observed in our brains.

According to Tim Kamsma, a theoretical physicist at Utrecht University, this represents a significant advance towards a computer that can not only mimic the communication patterns of the human brain but can also use the same medium. Artificial synapses capable of processing complex information already exist based on solid materials.

“Perhaps this will ultimately pave the way for the computing systems that replicate the extraordinary capabilities of the human brain more faithfully” said Tim Kamsma, lead author of the study.