A groundbreaking study has highlighted the potential of fungal networks as a promising alternative to traditional metal devices used in the processing and storage of digital memories and computer data. The resilience and unique properties of mushrooms could pave the way for innovations in bioelectronics, an emerging field that aims to create next-generation computing materials.
Researchers from The Ohio State University have recently unveiled that common edible fungi, particularly shiitake mushrooms, can be cultivated and trained to function as organic memristors. These innovative data processors possess the ability to remember past electrical states, offering a remarkable alternative to conventional semiconductor-based chips.
The study's findings reveal that shiitake-based devices exhibit reproducible memory effects comparable to those found in traditional semiconductors. Moreover, they hold the potential to develop low-cost, environmentally friendly, brain-inspired computing components. John LaRocco, the lead author of the study and a research scientist at Ohio State's College of Medicine, emphasized the significant computational and economic advantages of creating microchips that mimic actual neural activity. This innovation could drastically reduce power consumption during standby modes, a crucial factor in modern computing.
While the concept of fungal electronics is not entirely new, it has gained traction as an ideal candidate for sustainable computing systems. LaRocco notes that fungi minimize electrical waste due to their biodegradable nature and are cheaper to produce compared to conventional memristors and semiconductors, which often rely on expensive rare-earth minerals and high-energy consumption from data centers.
In their recent study, published in the journal PLOS One, the researchers explored the capabilities of mushroom memristors by cultivating samples of shiitake and button mushrooms. Once fully matured, these mushrooms were dehydrated for long-term viability, connected to specialized electronic circuits, and subjected to varying voltages and frequencies.
The research team observed that different parts of the mushrooms exhibited distinct electrical properties. By connecting electrical wires and probes at various points, they discovered varying performance levels based on the voltage and connectivity. After two months of testing, the mushroom memristors demonstrated the ability to switch between electrical states at an impressive rate of up to 5,850 signals per second with approximately 90% accuracy. However, as the frequency of electrical voltages increased, the performance did decline. Interestingly, like a biological brain, performance could be restored by incorporating additional mushrooms into the circuit.
Co-author of the study, Qudsia Tahmina, an associate professor in electrical and computer engineering at Ohio State, noted how effortlessly mushrooms can be programmed and preserved to exhibit unexpected yet beneficial behaviors. This research exemplifies the potential for technology to advance by harnessing the power of the natural world, a crucial aspect as society increasingly prioritizes environmental conservation for future generations.
Building on the inherent flexibility offered by mushrooms also opens up possibilities for scaling up fungal computing. Tahmina suggests that larger mushroom systems could find applications in areas such as edge computing and aerospace exploration, while smaller variants may enhance the performance of autonomous systems and wearable devices.
While organic memristors are still in the early stages of development, future research aims to optimize production processes by improving cultivation techniques and miniaturizing devices. Viable fungal memristors will need to be significantly smaller than those achieved in this study. LaRocco points out that exploring the intersection of fungi and computing could be as simple as utilizing a compost heap and some homemade electronics, or as elaborate as establishing a culturing factory with pre-made templates. The resources available today make these possibilities attainable.
In conclusion, the integration of fungal networks into computing systems not only presents an innovative approach to data processing and storage but also champions sustainability in technology. As research continues to evolve, the potential applications of fungal electronics could reshape the future of computing.
