Information processing(信息处理,信息加工) circuits in digital computers are static(静态的,静力的) . In our brains, information processing circuits—neurons—evolve continuously to solve complex problems. Now, an international research team from Japan and Michigan Technological1 University has created a similar process of circuit evolution in an organic molecular2 layer that can solve complex problems. This is the first time a brain-like "evolutionary3 circuit" has been realized. This computer is massively parallel: The world's fastest supercomputers can only process bits one at a time in each of their channels. Their circuit allows instantaneous(即时的,瞬间的) changes of ~300 bits.
Their processor can produce solutions to problems for which algorithms(算法) on computers are unknown, like predictions of natural calamities4(自然灾害) and outbreaks of disease. To prove this unique feature, they have mimicked5(模仿) two natural phenomena6 in the molecular layer: heat diffusion7(扩散,传播) and the evolution of cancer cells.
The monolayer has intelligence; it can solve many problems on the same grid8.
Their molecular processor heals itself if there is a defect. This remarkable9 self-healing property comes from the self-organizing ability of the molecular monolayer. No existing man-made computer has this property, but our brain does: if a neuron dies, another neuron takes over its function.
The work is described in the Nature Physics paper "Massively parallel computing10 on an organic molecular layer." It is coauthored by Ranjit Pati, of the Michigan Technological University Department of Physics. Lead author is Anirban Bandyopadhyay, National Institute for Materials Science, National Institute of Information and Communication Technology, Japan.