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Scientists Discover Way to Send Information into Black Holes Without Using Energy

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Scientists Create First Artificial Neuron That Can Communicate With the Human Brain

In a breakthrough that could reshape the future of medicine and computing, researchers have developed the first artificial neuron capable of communicating using the same electrical language as living human cells. This achievement bridges a long-standing gap between electronics and biology, opening the door to smarter medical devices, advanced brain–machine interfaces, and energy-efficient computing systems.

The study, led by Jun Yao at University of Massachusetts Amherst, demonstrates how artificial circuits can finally operate within the same voltage range as biological neurons—something scientists have been trying to achieve for decades.

A Major Breakthrough in Artificial Neurons

Artificial neurons are electronic systems designed to mimic how real neurons in the brain send signals. While previous versions could imitate some behaviors, they relied on much higher voltages, making direct communication with living cells nearly impossible.

This new artificial neuron changes that.

Inside laboratory tests, the device generated electrical spikes at around 0.1 volts, closely matching the signals used by real neurons. This allows the artificial system to “speak” the same electrical language as biological tissue, enabling direct interaction without damaging delicate cells.

Earlier designs required significantly higher voltages—often around 0.5 volts or more—which could overwhelm or disrupt natural cellular activity. By reducing this gap, scientists have made a crucial step toward integrating machines with living systems.

Why Matching Voltage Matters

Biological neurons typically operate between 70 and 130 millivolts, a very low and precise range. Matching this range is essential because:

  • High voltage signals can damage or interfere with living cells

  • Low voltage ensures safer and more natural communication

  • Energy consumption is drastically reduced

According to the researchers, previous artificial neurons used 10 times more voltage and 100 times more power than this new design. That inefficiency made real-world applications difficult.

Now, with voltage levels aligned, artificial neurons can interact with biological systems in a much more natural and efficient way.

The Role of Bacteria in Building the Neuron

At the heart of this innovation is a tiny electronic component called a memristor, which can change its resistance based on electrical activity—similar to how real neurons behave.

What makes this memristor unique is that it is enhanced using protein nanowires derived from the bacterium Geobacter sulfurreducens.

This microbe is known for its ability to move electrons outside its cells. Scientists used its natural properties to tune the artificial neuron so it could function at biological voltage levels.

In testing, the device activated at around 60 millivolts and extremely low current, then reset itself automatically—just like a real neuron after firing.

Mimicking Real Brain Behavior

The artificial neuron doesn’t just match voltage—it also mimics the timing and behavior of biological neurons.

Here’s how it works:

  • A capacitor stores electrical charge

  • When triggered, it releases a quick spike of voltage

  • The system then enters a short “rest period” (refractory period)

  • After resetting, it becomes ready to fire again

This cycle closely resembles how neurons in the brain send signals. It also prevents continuous firing, ensuring clean and distinct communication signals.

Even more importantly, one artificial neuron can trigger another, moving the system closer to forming full neural networks.

Chemical Signals Add Intelligence

In the human brain, electrical signals are only part of the story. Chemicals like sodium and dopamine also influence how neurons behave.

This new artificial neuron can respond to such chemical signals through a process similar to neuromodulation.

  • Increased sodium levels caused faster firing rates

  • Dopamine triggered complex responses—sometimes increasing activity, sometimes reducing it

This ability to respond to chemical changes makes the artificial neuron far more realistic and adaptable than earlier designs.

Successful Communication With Living Cells

To test real-world compatibility, scientists connected the artificial neuron to living heart cells known as cardiomyocytes.

These cells naturally produce electrical signals as they contract and beat.

Using graphene-based sensors, the system detected the cells’ activity:

  • Normal heart rhythms did not trigger the artificial neuron

  • When a drug increased the heart rate, the artificial neuron responded with electrical spikes

This experiment proved that the device can communicate with living tissue in real time, a major milestone toward future human applications.

Transforming Wearable and Medical Technology

Today’s wearable devices—like fitness trackers and medical monitors—often require signal amplification before processing biological data. This adds complexity and increases power consumption.

The new artificial neuron could eliminate that step entirely.

Because it operates at biological voltage levels, it can process signals directly from the body without amplification. This could lead to:

  • Smaller and more efficient wearable devices

  • Longer battery life

  • Reduced heat generation

  • Simpler and more reliable designs

Future applications may include smart patches, implants, and advanced prosthetics that interact seamlessly with the human body.

Energy Efficiency and Scalable Design

Another major advantage of this technology is its efficiency.

Compared to earlier chemical-based artificial neurons, this design uses up to 100 times less energy. It also removes unnecessary components, making it more compact and practical.

Importantly, the system can be built using existing semiconductor manufacturing techniques, meaning it could be scaled for mass production without requiring entirely new infrastructure.

A New Direction for Computing

This breakthrough is not just about biology—it could also transform computing.

Traditional computers process information in a very different way from the human brain. By creating systems that mimic neural behavior more closely, scientists are moving toward neuromorphic computing—machines that think and learn like humans.

What makes this artificial neuron special is that it doesn’t just imitate the shape of neural signals. It matches:

  • Voltage levels

  • Energy efficiency

  • Timing patterns

  • Chemical responsiveness

This full alignment with biological behavior creates a powerful foundation for future intelligent systems.

What Comes Next?

While the results are promising, this technology is still in the early stages.

Researchers need to:

  • Test the system with actual brain neurons

  • Study long-term stability and safety

  • Improve sensor accuracy

  • Develop real-world medical applications

The study, published in Nature Communications, marks an important step forward, but practical human use will require further development and testing.

Conclusion

The creation of an artificial neuron that can communicate with living cells is a landmark achievement in science and engineering. By matching the electrical and chemical behavior of biological neurons, researchers have opened the door to a new era of human–machine interaction.

From advanced medical devices to brain-inspired computing, the possibilities are vast. While challenges remain, one thing is clear: the boundary between biology and technology is beginning to blur—and the future looks more connected than ever.

Reference: Fu, S., Gao, H., Wang, S. et al. Constructing artificial neurons with functional parameters comprehensively matching biological values. Nat Commun 16, 8599 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-63640-7

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