Researchers from Monash University in Australia have crafted a microfluidic chip, no larger than a coin, that boasts an internal structure replicating the neural pathways of the human brain. This innovative chip is capable of 'remembering' previous alterations in electrical signals and exhibits learning and adaptive behaviors akin to those of brain neurons.

The chip employs a specially engineered metal-organic framework (MOF) material to direct the movement of ions through its microchannels, thereby simulating the switching capabilities of transistors. Its distinctive hierarchical architecture allows for selective and nonlinear control over the flow of protons and metal ions. Notably, the research team has, for the first time in a nanofluidic device, witnessed the phenomenon of saturated nonlinear proton conduction.

Through validation using small fluid circuits, it has been demonstrated that the chip can react to voltage fluctuations and display memory effects. This breakthrough holds immense potential for applications in liquid data storage or brain-inspired computing systems, representing a significant leap forward in humanity's pursuit of creating a liquid computer capable of 'thinking like a human'.