Brains and computer might have similarities in somefunctions , namely cypher and organize stuff , but they are very different . And their differences are structural . figurer are not work up like genius – but could they be ? This idea has been around for a while and researchers have now taken an important step forward . They built a machine that acts like a synapse .

The central nervous scheme is largely made of neurons ornerve cells . These institutionalize signals between one another usingsynapses , which are junctions between neurons where the entropy being carried is both transport and process . They are fundamental to the function of brains .

synapsis do that using ion , electrically charged atom or particle , dissolved in water . novel work shows that it is possible to create an contrived synapse that also works with water supply and salts . Crucial to this is a twist that ’s only as wide as two mainsheet of paper , called an iontronic memristor .

Despite the complex name , its anatomy and doings are straightforward . It is mold like a strobilus and fill with a solution of water and salt . When it receives an electrical impetus the ions in the H2O move , changing the table salt concentration . This is consanguineous to what a real brain synapse does .

" Whileartificial synapsescapable of processing complex information already exist based on solid materials , we now show for the first meter that this feat can also be accomplished using piddle and common salt , " track generator Tim Kamsma , a alum investigator at Utrecht University , say in astatement . " We are effectively retroflex neural behaviour using a arrangement that employs the same medium as the brain . "

The ionotronic memristor was developed by South Korean scientists and a opportunity encounter with Kamsma led to the collaboration . Together , they saw the possible action of using the gimmick as a computational synapse . This is not a go computing machine , but it picture that it might be potential to make a computing machine - alike gimmick that not only has synapsis , but synapsis that behave just like our own do .

" It represents a of the essence promotion toward computers not only capable of mimic the communication pattern of the human brain but also utilizing the same medium , " Kamsma added . " Perhaps this will at last pave the way for computing systems that replicate the sinful capabilities of the human brain more reliably . "

The subject field is put out inProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences .