
via University of Southampton
Research on novel nanoelectronics devices led by the University of Southampton has enabled brain neurons and artificial neurons to communicate with each other. This study has for the first time shown how three key emerging technologies can work together: brain-computer interfaces, artificial neural networks and advanced memory technologies (also known as memristors). The discovery opens the door to further significant developments in neural and artificial intelligence research.
Brain functions are made possible by circuits of spiking neurons, connected together by microscopic, but highly complex links called ‘synapses’. In this new study, published in the scientific journal Nature Scientific Reports, the scientists created a hybrid neural network where biological and artificial neurons in different parts of the world were able to communicate with each other over the internet through a hub of artificial synapses made using cutting-edge nanotechnology. This is the first time the three components have come together in a unified network.
During the study, researchers based at the University of Padova in Italy cultivated rat neurons in their laboratory, whilst partners from the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich created artificial neurons on Silicon microchips. The virtual laboratory was brought together via an elaborate setup controlling nanoelectronic synapses developed at the University of Southampton. These synaptic devices are known as memristors.
The Southampton based researchers captured spiking events being sent over the internet from the biological neurons in Italy and then distributed them to the memristive synapses. Responses were then sent onward to the artificial neurons in Zurich also in the form of spiking activity. The process simultaneously works in reverse too; from Zurich to Padova. Thus, artificial and biological neurons were able to communicate bidirectionally and in real time.
Themis Prodromakis, Professor of Nanotechnology and Director of the Centre for Electronics Frontiers at the University of Southampton said “One of the biggest challenges in conducting research of this kind and at this level has been integrating such distinct cutting edge technologies and specialist expertise that are not typically found under one roof. By creating a virtual lab we have been able to achieve this.”
The researchers now anticipate that their approach will ignite interest from a range of scientific disciplines and accelerate the pace of innovation and scientific advancement in the field of neural interfaces research. In particular, the ability to seamlessly connect disparate technologies across the globe is a step towards the democratisation of these technologies, removing a significant barrier to collaboration.
Professor Prodromakis added “We are very excited with this new development. On one side it sets the basis for a novel scenario that was never encountered during natural evolution, where biological and artificial neurons are linked together and communicate across global networks; laying the foundations for the Internet of Neuro-electronics. On the other hand, it brings new prospects to neuroprosthetic technologies, paving the way towards research into replacing dysfunctional parts of the brain with AI chips.”
The Latest Updates from Bing News & Google News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Neuroprosthetic technologies
- Technology Insight: Future Neuroprosthetic Therapies for Disorders of the Nervous Systemon February 23, 2021 at 4:00 pm
similar approaches might eventually be applied to patients with spinal cord injury Another promising application of neuroprosthetic technology is the control of prosthetic limbs via recording and ...
- Direct Electrical Stimulation in Electrocorticographic Brain–Computer Interfaces: Enabling Technologies for Input to Cortexon February 2, 2021 at 4:00 pm
We conclude by describing enabling technologies, such as smaller ECoG electrodes for more precise targeting of cortical areas, signal processing strategies for simultaneous stimulation and recording, ...
- A Review of Control Strategies in Closed-Loop Neuroprosthetic Systemson February 2, 2021 at 4:00 pm
It has been widely recognized that closed-loop neuroprosthetic systems achieve more favorable outcomes for users then equivalent open-loop devices. Improved performance of tasks, better usability, and ...
- A cutaneous mechanoneural interface for neuroprosthetic feedbackon February 1, 2021 at 12:36 pm
Amputation destroys sensory end organs and does not provide an anatomical interface for cutaneous neuroprosthetic ... integrated with current prosthetic technologies for tactile feedback.
- A cutaneous mechanoneural interface for neuroprosthetic feedback.on January 31, 2021 at 4:00 pm
Amputation destroys sensory end organs and does not provide an anatomical interface for cutaneous neuroprosthetic feedback ... interface can be integrated with current prosthetic technologies for ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Neuroprosthetic technologies
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Internet of Neuro-electronics
- Artificial and Biological Neurons Just Talked Over the Interneton February 14, 2021 at 4:00 pm
laying the foundations for the Internet of Neuro-electronics,” Themis Prodromakis, a nanotechnology researcher and director at the University of Southampton’s Centre for Electronics Frontiers ...