The Unconventional Computing Laboratory (UCL) at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) has developed a mushroom motherboard. popular science (opens in new tab)As its name suggests, the lab, led by Professor Andrew Adamatzk, focuses on a quirky approach to computing like wetware, a concept that applies hardware and software concepts to living organisms. increase.
Fungi connect to underground root networks (sometimes called “wood wide webs”) using mycelium, a very thin mycelium that is the size of a thread. A fungal motherboard utilizes mycelium as a conductor, replacing other electronic components such as processors and memory.and previous research (opens in new tab), Adamatsky demonstrated that mushrooms can communicate with each other via electrical signals through mycelium. Mycelium can send and receive electrical signals and retain memories.
Neurons in the human brain utilize spiking activity for communication, and Adamatsky’s research shows that mycelium uses a similar model. As a result, scientists can use the presence or absence of spikes as a measure of zero or one, similar to the binary language used by traditional computers. Additionally, Adamatsky emphasized that if researchers stimulated the mycelium at two separate points to increase conductivity, they could increase the speed and reliability of communication. Helps develop memory, comparable to how to create.
A mushroom computer cannot match a regular computer with the best CPU in terms of performance. However, the mushroom computer has some advantages. for example. They show off enhanced resiliency through self-generated properties and superior reconfigurability through growth and evolution. In addition, mushroom computers consume minimal power, making them highly energy efficient.
“Right now it’s just a feasibility study. , we can grow more advanced mycelium computers and control devices,” Adamatzky said. popular science.
Admittedly, this topic still needs a lot of work and research. It’s unlikely that we’ll see the first fungal motherboard, much less a living computer inhabited by fungi, in the next few years. The concept is interesting, though. Contrary to all the AI hype, imagine talking to your favorite mushroom and searching Google for something.
