Scientists have created artificial neurons that can communicate directly with real brain cells, opening the door to new medical devices and more efficient computing.
In a new study from Northwestern University, engineers developed flexible, low-cost devices that produce electrical signals similar to those in the human brain.
When tested on brain tissue from mice, these printed neurons successfully triggered responses in living nerve cells.
This breakthrough, published in Nature Nanotechnology, shows that artificial systems can not only copy how the brain works but also interact with it.
The finding could lead to better brain-machine interfaces and medical implants, such as devices to restore hearing, vision, or movement.
The research is also important for the future of artificial intelligence. Today’s computers use large amounts of energy to process data, especially when training AI systems.
In contrast, the brain is extremely efficient, using far less energy to perform complex tasks.
By designing electronics that behave more like neurons, scientists hope to build smarter systems that consume much less power.
The team, led by Professor Mark C. Hersam, focused on making artificial neurons that behave more like real ones.
Traditional computers rely on billions of identical components called transistors, which are fixed and rigid. The brain works very differently. It is made up of many types of neurons, arranged in flexible, three-dimensional networks that constantly change as we learn and adapt.
To better mimic this, the researchers used soft, printable materials instead of rigid silicon. They created special electronic “inks” made from tiny particles of molybdenum disulfide, a semiconductor, and graphene, a highly conductive material. These inks were printed onto flexible surfaces using a technique called aerosol jet printing.
One of the most interesting parts of the research involved turning a problem into an advantage. In earlier work, a polymer material used in the ink was seen as a flaw because it interfered with electrical signals. Instead of removing it completely, the team partially kept it. When electricity flows through the device, this material changes in a controlled way, creating a narrow pathway for current. This produces sharp, neuron-like electrical signals.
These signals are much more complex than those generated by earlier artificial neurons. The devices can create different patterns, such as single pulses, continuous firing, and bursts—similar to how real neurons communicate. This means each artificial neuron can carry more information, potentially reducing the number of components needed in a system.
To test their invention, the team worked with neuroscientists who applied the artificial signals to slices of mouse brain tissue. The signals closely matched real neural activity in both timing and shape, successfully activating the brain cells.
The technology also has environmental benefits. The printing process uses only the materials needed, reducing waste, and the devices require less energy to operate. This is important as modern data centers consume huge amounts of electricity and water for cooling.
While still in early stages, this research brings us closer to electronics that can truly connect with the human brain, offering exciting possibilities for both healthcare and computing.
