A group of researchers from the University of Washington has come up with a way by which, machines can not only communicate with the human body, but can also control the organs within.
Apparently, the researchers achieved this milestone by developing a proton-based organic transistor which can communicate with all living things.
Electronic devices, as we know, send and receive data using electrons, while the human body sends signals by using protons or ions.
“So there's always this issue, a challenge, at the interface – how does an electronic signal translate into an ionic signal, or vice versa?" says Marco Rolandi, assistant professor of materials science and engineering, technology site PC Pro reports.
"We have found a biomaterial that is very good at conducting protons, and allows the potential to interface with living systems,” another researcher, Rolandi added.
The prototype of the transistor has been termed by the researchers as the first step towards a field-effect transistor, which could find its usage in labs for cell research and other similar purposes. However, it may take another decade, at least, before this new technology is finally made available for actual use.