acm-header
Sign In

Communications of the ACM

ACM TechNews

Artificial Neuron Swaps Dopamine with Rat Brain Cells Like a Real One


View as: Print Mobile App Share:
Abstract illustration of a neuron.

Credit: Rostislav Zatonskiy/Alamy.

An artificial neuron that can release and receive dopamine in communication with real rat cells could be incorporated into future human-machine interfaces. Researchers in China and Singapore formed the device from a graphene and carbon nanotube electrode that can detect the release of dopamine, while a memristor dispatches more dopamine via a heat-activated hydrogel. This process mimics how brain cells change the amount of neurotransmitter sent between connections in response to external stimuli.

The artificial neuron also can trigger a mouse muscle through the sciatic nerve and move a robotic hand. "This actually has quite a lot of potential for expanding into more sophisticated learning systems," said Yoeri van de Burgt at the Netherlands' Eindhoven University of Technology.

From New Scientist
View Full Article

 

Abstracts Copyright © 2021 SmithBucklin, Washington, DC, USA


 

No entries found

Sign In for Full Access
» Forgot Password? » Create an ACM Web Account