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New "Wet Computer" To Mimic Neurons In the Brain

A new type of "wet computer" that mimics the actions of neurons in the brain is slated to be built thanks to a €1.8M EU emerging technologies program. The goal of the project is to explore new computing environments rather than to build a computer that surpasses current performance of conventional computers. "The group's approach hinges on two critical ideas. First, individual 'cells' are surrounded by a wall made up of so-called lipids that spontaneously encapsulate the liquid innards of the cell. Recent work has shown that when two such lipid layers encounter each other as the cells come into contact, a protein can form a passage between them, allowing chemical signaling molecules to pass. Second, the cells' interiors will play host to what is known as a Belousov-Zhabotinsky or B-Z chemical reaction. Simply put, reactions of this type can be initiated by changing the concentration of the element bromine by a certain threshold amount."

10 of 132 comments (clear)

  1. Eureka! by Croakus · · Score: 2, Funny

    Puts a new spin on computer viruses ...

  2. Re:If anything comes of this... by spidercoz · · Score: 2, Funny

    we need some real intelligence before we can make artificial

    --
    "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - Evelyn Beatrice Hall, re Voltaire
  3. Re:If anything comes of this... by phantomcircuit · · Score: 2, Funny

    Is it really a computer still though?

  4. great, boffins by marcuz · · Score: 2, Funny

    now just take a beowulf cluster of these and ... what would you do?

  5. Re:If anything comes of this... by plopez · · Score: 4, Funny

    Then you'll get computers with chemical imbalances. In other words suffering from depression. It gives the phrase "the computer is down" a whole new meaning.

    As a preemptive strike:
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvin_the_Paranoid_Android

    --
    putting the 'B' in LGBTQ+
  6. Research Implications: by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Heuristics is expected to make a big come back in Artificial Intelligence research, as the machine represents everything in terms of bromides.

  7. Is it always wet? by TooMad · · Score: 2, Funny

    Or just when it is turn on?

  8. Doctor in the House? by muphin · · Score: 2, Funny

    great now when my PC breaks down I have to pay its medical bills too?

    --
    It's not a typo if you understood the meaning!
  9. Redundant? by ActusReus · · Score: 2, Funny

    A "wet computer"? Didn't you guys just post this story two days ago?

  10. Re:If anything comes of this... by Nefarious+Wheel · · Score: 2, Funny

    Well, there is precedent. You see, when a mommy computer and a daddy computer love each other very much, they show this sometimes with a special dance. And if they are compatible, sometimes they will plug their interfaces together and engage in in a high bandwidth conversation. And much, much later, out of Mommy's USB port pops a very special process controller, just like you!

    --
    Do not mock my vision of impractical footwear