Mushrooms: The Future of Computer Memory?
▼ Summary
– Fungal networks show promise as sustainable alternatives to metal components in computer data processing and storage.
– Researchers successfully trained common edible mushrooms like shiitake to function as organic memristors, mimicking neural activity.
– These mushroom-based devices demonstrated reproducible memory effects and could switch electrical states at up to 5,850 signals per second with 90% accuracy.
– Fungal electronics offer environmental and economic benefits by being biodegradable, low-cost, and energy-efficient compared to traditional semiconductors.
– Future applications could include scaling up for edge computing and aerospace or miniaturizing for autonomous systems and wearable devices.
Could mushrooms become the next breakthrough in computer memory technology? Researchers are uncovering surprising potential within common fungi, suggesting they might offer a sustainable path forward for data storage and processing. A recent investigation reveals that certain edible varieties, including shiitake mushrooms, can be trained to function as organic memristors, components capable of retaining electrical history much like semiconductor-based chips.
These fungal networks demonstrate remarkable resilience and unique electrical behaviors, positioning them as promising candidates for bioelectronics. Scientists at The Ohio State University cultivated and dehydrated mushroom samples, integrating them into custom electronic circuits. By applying different voltages and frequencies, they observed that the fungi could reliably switch between electrical states, effectively storing and recalling information.
Lead researcher John LaRocco emphasized the energy-saving potential of such systems. “Chips that replicate neural activity don’t require much power during standby or idle periods,” he noted. “That represents a major computational and economic benefit.” Unlike conventional memristors built with rare-earth minerals and energy-intensive processes, mushroom-based alternatives are biodegradable and far less expensive to produce.
In testing, the fungal memristors achieved switching speeds of up to 5,850 signals per second with roughly 90% accuracy when used as RAM. Performance did decline at higher frequencies, but the team found that linking multiple mushrooms in a circuit, similar to neural networks in the brain, could restore functionality.
Co-author Qudsia Tahmina highlighted how the study illustrates the ease of programming mushrooms for unexpected technical roles. “This work shows how technology can evolve by drawing inspiration from nature,” she said. With growing environmental awareness, bio-friendly innovations like fungal computing are gaining traction as sustainable alternatives to traditional electronics.
Looking ahead, researchers see potential for scaling this technology in various directions. Larger fungal networks might support edge computing or aerospace systems, while miniaturized versions could enhance wearables and autonomous devices. Although current prototypes are not yet small enough for commercial use, future efforts will focus on refining cultivation methods and shrinking device size.
LaRocco pointed out that the resources needed to experiment with fungal computing are already accessible. “You could start with little more than a compost heap and homemade electronics, or scale up to a dedicated culturing facility,” he explained. “The basic tools are within reach today.” As work continues, these organic memristors could help pave the way for greener, more adaptable computing architectures.
(Source: phys.org)