Researchers at Ohio State University have transformed shiitake mushrooms into living computer components, creating sustainable memristors that mimic brain function.
Scientists at Ohio State University have made a significant advancement by converting ordinary shiitake mushrooms into living computer components known as memristors. These innovative devices utilize mycelium—the threadlike root networks of fungi—to develop circuits that can store and process information similarly to traditional semiconductor chips.
Remarkably, these fungal memristors emulate the functionality of neurons in the human brain, managing electrical signals while consuming minimal power. This unique approach could revolutionize the field of computing by offering a more sustainable alternative to conventional technology.
The research team cultivated shiitake mycelium in petri dishes, allowing the fungal networks to grow into dense mats. Once fully matured, the mycelium was dried and integrated into custom electronic circuits. When electrical currents were applied, the mushroom-based components exhibited the ability to switch between different electrical states thousands of times per second with impressive accuracy, demonstrating performance that rivals silicon-based memory devices.
In contrast to traditional computer chips that depend on rare minerals and energy-intensive manufacturing processes, these bio-based circuits are low-cost, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly. Their neural-like functionality holds the potential to usher in a new generation of brain-inspired, energy-efficient computing devices that merge sustainability with cutting-edge innovation.
Lead researcher John LaRocco emphasized that these fungal memristors offer significant computational and economic advantages. They require minimal power during both operation and standby, making them a promising option for future applications. The self-organizing, flexible, and scalable nature of the mushrooms’ mycelial networks opens up exciting possibilities for advancements in bioelectronics and neuromorphic computing technologies.
This breakthrough underscores the emerging field that blends biology and technology, with fungi providing novel materials for sustainable computing solutions. The implications for the electronics industry are profound, as this research could lead to transformative changes in how we approach computing and technology.
Source: Original article