Scientists from the Netherlands and South Korea have developed a groundbreaking device called the “iontronic memristor,” also known as an artificial synapse. This device, just slightly wider than a human hair, replicates the brain’s functionality related to thinking and learning. While previous attempts have been made to create brain-like devices, this one stands out because it closely mimics the structure and function of our brains.
So, what makes this brain-like device so remarkable? Let’s dive into the science behind it. The iontronic memristor features a tapered microfluidic channel, resembling a cone, filled with a solution of salt (potassium chloride) dissolved in water. Yes, you read that right – it’s essentially just salt and water.
When an electrical signal is applied to the device, ions in the water solution move up the channel, altering their position. This movement affects ion density and conductivity, thereby changing the memristor’s ability to conduct electricity. This mechanism mirrors how our brain cells strengthen or weaken connections based on our experiences.
This device represents a significant step toward replicating the brain’s functionality in an artificial setting. Unlike previous attempts, which relied on silicon and metals, this device is entirely composed of water and salt.
Although memristors have been utilized in various conventional platforms, they differ from the human brain’s synapses. While memristors respond solely to electrical inputs, our brain synapses rely on both electrical and chemical signals.
Current artificial intelligence lacks the ability to independently think like human brains do. Large language models, while advanced, are essentially collections of words learned from humans and machines, lacking true cognitive abilities.
The research, led by doctoral researcher Tim Kamsma, represents a collaborative effort between Utrecht University in the Netherlands and Sogang University in South Korea. This innovative approach, utilizing fluidic ion channels to replicate complex brain mechanisms, marks a significant advancement. However, the development of aqueous neuromorphic devices such as iontronic memristors is still in its early stages, with building neuromorphic computers remaining a work in progress.
