7/15/2011 PERMALINK
Soft memory device opens door to brain implantable computers. Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a memory device that is soft and functions well in wet environments like your brain. "We've created a memory device with the physical properties of Jell-O," says Dr. Michael Dickey, an assistant professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at NC State and co-author of a paper describing the research. Conventional electronics are typically made of rigid, brittle materials and don’t function well in a wet environment. "Our memory device is soft and pliable, and functions extremely well in wet environments similar to the human brain," said Dickey. The device's ability to function in wet environments and the biocompatibility of the gels make this new technology ideal for brain augmentation with a direct computer interface. Extremely sophisticated implants for monitoring and controlling your biochemistry also are made possible.