In a landmark breakthrough, researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have developed artificial neurons that function at the same voltage as real biological neurons—an achievement that could transform AI hardware, medical implants, and bioelectronic interfaces.
Published in Nature Communications, the study describes how the team used protein nanowires grown from the microbe Geobacter sulfurreducens to build low-power “memristor” circuits capable of firing electrical signals identical to human neurons, at just 0.1 volts. “Previous versions of artificial neurons used 10 times more voltage, and 100 times more power, than the one we have created,” said co-author Jun Yao, associate professor at UMass Amherst.
The artificial neurons can even connect with living cells; in one experiment, they successfully communicated with a cardiac cell, marking a major step toward biohybrid electronics. Lead researcher Shuai Fu noted that the technology could enable next-generation neuromorphic computers that process data as efficiently as the human brain, using a fraction of the energy large AI systems require.
By merging energy-harvesting nanomaterials and brain-like computation, the innovation hints at self-powered devices capable of sensing, computing, and adapting inside the body.
Experts say this work brings the dream of living–machine integration closer than ever, opening doors to sustainable, intelligent, and biocompatible electronics.
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