Scientists make artificial neurons ‘talk’ to living brain cells in latest breakthrough<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nIn a recent breakthrough, researchers have developed printed artificial neurons that can communicate directly with real brain cells. <\/p>\n
Using aerosol jet printing on flexible polymers, the team created “memorable” networks that generate complex spiking patterns and tested them on mouse brain slices.<\/p>\n
As a result, these artificial neurons made of molybdenum disulfide and graphene successfully triggered reactions in real neurons, proving their compatibility. <\/p>\n
According to the findings published in Nature Nanotechnology, artificial neurons operate at the precise temporal speed and signal shape required to activate biological tissue. <\/p>\n
During its construction, researchers use innovative materials such as printable ink made from nanosheets. Instead of removing the polymer binding, they partially decomposed it to form conductive filaments, allowing a single device to generate complex signals that would normally require a large network of transistors. <\/p>\n
The additive printing process proved to be lower cost, produce less waste, and use less material than traditional semiconductor manufacturing.<\/p>\n
According to Mark C. Hersam of Northwestern, who led the study, “Other labs have tried to make artificial neurons with organic materials, and they have grown very slowly. Or they have used metal oxides, which are very fast. We are within a temporal range that has not been demonstrated for artificial neurons before. You can see how living neurons respond to our artificial neurons. So, we have demonstrated signals that are not only on the right timescale But also have the right spike shapes to interact directly with living neurons.”<\/p>\n
The technology can be used practically in two areas: neuroprosthetics and neuromorphic computing. In neuroprosthetics, it can be used to develop implants to restore vision, hearing or motor function by interfacing directly with the nervous system.<\/p>\n
Neuromorphic computing involves the creation of a new generation of computers that learn and adapt like biological brains, rather than following fixed, pre-built paths.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n