Functioning Synapse Created Using Carbon Nanotubes

[n2doc]

ScienceDaily (Apr. 22, 2011) — Engineering researchers the University of Southern California have made a significant breakthrough in the use of nanotechnologies for the construction of a synthetic brain. They have built a carbon nanotube synapse circuit whose behavior in tests reproduces the function of a neuron, the building block of the brain.

The team, which was led by Professor Alice Parker and Professor Chongwu Zhou in the USC Viterbi School of Engineering Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical Engineering, used an interdisciplinary approach combining circuit design with nanotechnology to address the complex problem of capturing brain function.

In a paper published in the proceedings of the IEEE/NIH 2011 Life Science Systems and Applications Workshop in April 2011, the Viterbi team detailed how they were able to use carbon nanotubes to create a synapse.


Carbon nanotubes are molecular carbon structures that are extremely small, with a diameter a million times smaller than a pencil point. These nanotubes can be used in electronic circuits, acting as metallic conductors or semiconductors.

more
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110421151921.htm

[DetlefK]

1. still a looong way to a synthetic brain

We can transport electric signals on a nano-level. That's what these scientists have achieved.

But an artificial brain needs more: neurons.

We need a nano-device that can imitate a weighting function. (Upside: very sharp weighting functions actually lead to worse results)
electric current below threshold -> neuron triggers signal 0
electric current above threshold -> neuron triggers signal 1
Combine a lot of neurons and you can construct a mathematical "classifier".

For example: It takes 6 neurons to answer the question "Is that location (defined by x,y-coordinates) within the boundaries of a defined triangle?" Coordinates are transformed into a true/false answer by using if-queries.

[qazplm]

2. long way yes

but if you could find a way to transfer a human brain into a synthetic brain...instant immortality without the need for food.

Not in my lifetime unfortunately, but someday I think it is inevitable. Now whether that synthetic entity will really be you is a whole nother kettle of philosophical fish.

[laconicsax]

3. Very cool. n/t