New plant fiber-based artificial synapse holds memory longer

Researchers at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) in South Korea have developed a fully biodegradable artificial synapse made entirely from natural materials such as beans, shells, and plant fibers. This innovation addresses critical challenges in artificial synapse technology by combining ultralow power consumption, stability, durability, and biodegradability. The device mimics the brain’s synaptic functions by releasing sodium ions that behave like neurotransmitters, enabling it to retain information and replicate both short-term and long-term memory processes through synaptic plasticity. The artificial synapse exhibits exceptional memory retention, holding information for nearly 6,000 seconds (about 100 minutes), making it the longest-lasting biodegradable synapse reported to date. It operates with remarkable energy efficiency, consuming only 0.85 femtojoules per signal, which is lower than the typical energy usage of the human brain. Environmentally, the device is designed to fully decompose in soil within 16 days, leaving no