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Scientists build artificial neurons that work like real ones (www.sciencedaily.com)
submitted 1 year ago by to c/technology@lemmy.world
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UMass Amherst engineers have built an artificial neuron powered by bacterial protein nanowires that functions like a real one, but at extremely low voltage. This allows for seamless communication with biological cells and drastically improved energy efficiency. The discovery could lead to bio-inspired computers and wearable electronics that no longer need power-hungry amplifiers.

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[–] 4 points 1 year ago (3 children)

sounds like saying “we already have a lung in our body why make an iron lung.”

Like I know obviously it’s not like plug this into your spine and cure paralysis but I could definitely be very useful.

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  • [–] 11 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 child)

    Not quite, an iron lung replaces a dysfunctional organ. I'm saying we can already grow neurons onto circuits, and it's difficult (not impossible) to implant neurons into a body. I don't easily see how these bio-engineered neurons make those processes easier.

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  • [–] 4 points 1 year ago

    Fair, I suppose I understand the idea but like... idk I can think of MANY reasons (patent bullshit, could be useful, or prove to be cheaper, or developed further into something better) why having something similar to an already existing process is still good. Look at Sodium batteries potentially now being 10% of the cost of lithium ones, even if they're a similar but generally worse storage technology. I don't think it should be a requirement that a new process or discovery have an inherent reason/advantage. Shit like that is how we end up with leaded gasoline.

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