Innovative Computer Mimicking Human Brain Powered by Water and Salt, Could Bring Revolutionary Changes
In the world of technology, where the development of increasingly powerful and faster processors has become a constant, a recent discovery has taken an unexpected turn. A group of researchers has just demonstrated that it is possible to create a computational system inspired by the human brain with water and salt. The result could be the key to a new technological paradigm.
Creating a Brain-Inspired Model
The brain is undoubtedly one of the most efficient biological machines that exist. An international team of physicists from the University of Utrecht (Netherlands) and Sogang University (South Korea) demonstrated that it is possible to create functional artificial synapses using a system composed only of water and ions (dissolved salt particles).
How this “Biological Computer” Works
In the human brain, synapses transmit electrical signals by the circulation of ions in an aqueous medium. The research team replicated this process to allow artificial synapses to store, process, and transmit information, and respond to stimuli autonomously. The observed behavior was able to emulate complex patterns of transmission and processing, paving the way for a completely new technology: iontronic neuromorphic computing.
Toward a More Sustainable and Accessible Technology
The benefits of this approach go beyond the traditional. As it is a system that does not require silicon or large amounts of energy, the ecological implications are significant. This technology could drastically reduce the energy consumption of modern computers, becoming a viable alternative for an increasingly digital world. Moreover, the possibility of using accessible and non-polluting materials such as water and salt democratizes access to technological development, enabling the creation of more affordable and sustainable smart devices, ideal for regions with resource limitations.
This advancement is part of the growing field of neuromorphic computing, a discipline that seeks to merge biological and technological principles. According to Tim Kamsma, the lead researcher of the study, this is just the beginning: “For the first time, we have demonstrated that an artificial synapse can be created with a liquid medium, like the human brain, and make it process complex information.” The convergence of science, biology, and technology promises to transform the way we design and use computers. Meanwhile, this small and silent system made of water and salt reminds us that big changes sometimes start with the simplest ingredients.
