New Computer Memory Boosted By Poplar Tree Protein
Sunday, July 25th, 2010Is there any connection between poplar tree and computers? Yes.
Scientists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have succeeded in showing how it is possible to greatly expand the memory capacity of future computers through the use of memory units based on silica nanoparticles combined with protein molecules obtained from the poplar tree.
In doing so, they have developed an alternative avenue to miniaturize memory elements while increasing the number and capacity of memory and functional logic elements in computers, according to a news release published on Wednesday.
This approach could replace standard fabrication techniques in use until now for increasing computer memory capacity, a process which involves ever-increasing manufacturing costs.
The project involves the genetic engineering of poplar protein to enable its hybridization with a silicon nanoparticle. In this process, the nanoparticles are attached to the inner pore of a stable, ring-like protein (the poplar derivative), and these hybrids are arranged in a large network, or array, of very close, molecular memory elements.
The practical result of the research, carried out by Professor Danny Porath and his colleagues, is a cost-effective system that greatly increases existing memory capacity while significantly reducing the space required to carry out this volume of activity.
A related article has been published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology.
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