Scientists rope in silicon to mimic brain functions

Scientific developments seem to be touching new highs with each passing day, some even daring to mimic the flawless, the one in question being the human brain. One of the most interesting aspects of the human brain is its ability to absorb new information, which constantly flows in. Called Plasticity, this function of the brain is crucial, almost provides the base to functions like memory formation and learning. Trying to mimic this masterpiece. A group of researchers at MIT have created a computer chip, which they claim can duplicate the brain's ability to process new information. The human brain, typically, is home to scores of neurons (100 billion, precisely), who adapt to the constant inflow of information to the human brain. This computer chip, claim MIT researchers can perform the same way. 

The silicon chip by the researchers at MIT

Only this computer chip has been made up of 400 transistors. The silicon chip, claims the report can perform the task of a single synapse, which essentially is the connection between two neurons, thereby allowing for the follow of information back and forth. The success of the use of this technology will mean creating a breakthrough in the study of neurosciences, the benefits of which can be manifold, even including the ability to study the brain's working as well as be used in neural prosthetic devices like artificial retinas.