Fungal networks could act as a biological alternative to processors, recalling and storing data in a fashion similar to traditional semiconductors.
New research from Ohio State University found that common edible fungi, such as shiitake mushrooms, can be grown and trained to act as organic data processors, remembering past electrical states. The findings showed that these mushroom-based devices can be used to create reproducible memory effects like semiconductor-based chips, potentially offering a low-cost, environmentally friendly computing component.
Researchers cultured samples of shiitake and button mushrooms, dehydrating them once mature to ensure long-term viability. The mushrooms were connected to electronic circuits and electrocuted at various voltages and frequencies.
The wires and probes were connected at different points on the mushrooms, due to the distinct parts of mushrooms that have different electrical properties. The team discovered that, when used as RAM, the mushroom memristors were able to switch between electrical states at up to 5,850 signals per second, with approximately 90% accuracy. Performance dropped as the frequency of the electrical voltages increased, like a human brain, and could be fixed by connecting more mushrooms to the circuit.
The biodegradable mushrooms pose several advantages, minimising electrical waste and offering a lower price point to conventionally fabricated memristors and semiconductors, relying on costly rare-earth minerals and high amounts of energy from data centres.
John LaRocco, lead author of the study and research scientist in psychiatry, Ohio State’s College of Medicine, commented: “Being able to develop microchips that mimic actual neural activity means you don't need a lot of power for standby or when the machine isn't being used. That's something that can be a huge potential computational and economic advantage.”
Photo credit: John LaRocco