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And it is expected to help neuroscientists learn much more about how the brain works.

Using about 400 transistors, MIT's silicon chip can simulate the activity of a single brain synapse. This phenomenon, known as "plasticity," is believed to underlie many brain functions, including learning and memory. The MIT researchers have now taken a major step toward understanding the brain' learning process by designing a computer chip that mimics how the brain's neurons adapt in response to new information. Those channels are also key to two processes known as long-term potentiation or LTP, and long-term depression or LTD, which strengthen and weaken synapses, respectively. If the potential changes dramatically enough, the cell fires an electrical impulse called an action potential.Īll of this synaptic activity depends on the ion channels, which control the flow of charged atoms, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium. Opening and closing those channels changes the cell's electrical potential.The pre-synaptic neuron releases neurotransmitters, such as glutamate and GABA, which bind to receptors on the post-synaptic cell membrane, activating ion channels.With respect to a synapse, one neuron is known as the pre-synaptic neuron and the other is the postsynaptic neuron. A synapse is the gap between two neurons.Each neuron forms synapses with many other neurons.There are about 100 billion neurons in the brain.To get an idea of the complexity, consider this: It has been a daunting task.įor decades, scientists have dreamed of building computer systems that could replicate the human brain's talent for learning new tasks. Scientists have dreamed of building computer systems that replicate the brain's talent for learning. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video.Ĭomputer Systems Replicate the Human Brain