Scientists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have made a major breakthrough by creating the first artificial neurons that work like real ones in our bodies.
Artificial Neurons Mimic Real Brain Signals at Ultra-Low Power
Scientists are developing artificial neurons that mirror the low voltage and energy use of biological neurons found in the human brain. Unlike typical artificial neurons that operate at higher voltages, these new devices function at ultra-low signals, similar to real neurons firing between 70 and 130 millivolts. This achievement is important because biological neurons use very low energy to process information. Hence, making the new artificial neurons more energy-efficient and closer to natural brain function.
This breakthrough was made possible by using a special type of electrical device called a memristor. Memristors can store and process information by mimicking how ions move in biological cells. The latest memristors in this research use protein nanowires that allow them to switch states at just about 60 millivolts, matching real neuronal signals.
The Importance of Ultra-Low Signal Amplitudes
The low-voltage signals are key for seamless communication between different biological and electronic systems. Because real neurons operate with tiny currents. Sometimes as low as nanoamperes, the new memristors had to work at similar current levels. This helps ensure that artificial neurons could one day connect directly with living cells without damaging them or using excessive power.
The Role of Protein Nanowires in Memristor Design
The protein nanowires come from microbes and have a natural ability to conduct tiny electrical charges efficiently. By integrating these into the memristor design, researchers lowered operational voltages dramatically while maintaining stability over many cycles of use.
These nanowires can carry electrical signals efficiently and help make devices that consume very low power. Using these materials, the engineers developed artificial neurons that mimic biological electrical functions exactly, making them compatible with living tissues. Thus, this creates reliable devices able to perform complex neuronal functions.
How Artificial Neurons Can Improve Bioelectronic Interfaces
The new artificial neurons achieve continuous voltage spikes that look like action potentials in real biological neurons. These spikes allow for more realistic signal transmission and processing. Importantly, they can respond dynamically to chemicals such as neurotransmitters, mimicking neuromodulation seen in nature.
Connecting With Real Cells for Smart Signal Processing
An exciting advancement is that these artificial neurons can connect directly with living cells to process their signals in real time. Therefore, this ability opens up possibilities for medical devices that interact naturally with the body’s nervous system. Further, potentially improving treatments for neurological disorders or brain-machine interfaces.
Energy Efficiency Means Safer and Longer Use
The ultralow power consumption lets these devices run safely inside biological environments without producing harmful heat or unwanted chemical effects. Additionally, they can operate longer on tiny batteries or energy-harvesting systems, which is crucial for wearable or implantable technologies.
A New Era of Bioelectronics
This technology might also enable new electronics that interact seamlessly with humans. Thus, helping treat diseases or improve prosthetics by sending and receiving nerve signals naturally. The research shows a promising future where biology and electronics work hand in hand for better health outcomes.
Reference
- Fu, S., Gao, H., Wang, S., Wang, X., Woodard, T., Wang, Z., Kong, J., Lovley, D. R., & Yao, J. (2025). Constructing artificial neurons with functional parameters comprehensively matching biological values. Nature Communications, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-63640-7
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Neha Adikane holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Science from Pune University, bringing a unique blend of scientific expertise and creative writing skills to her craft. She specializes in creating engaging, insightful, and impactful content across various niches. With a passion for translating complex ideas into simple, relatable narratives, she excels at crafting blogs, articles, website content, and social media posts that captivate readers and drive engagement. Neha’s background in environmental science adds depth to her writing, allowing her to effectively cover topics related to sustainability, eco-awareness, and scientific innovations.