So I’ve been reading anything I can get my hands on about the newly invented memristor. You can read more about the history and general concept over here. The basic idea is this, the memristor is the fourth basic circuit element (the resistor, capacitor, and inductor are the other three) that has been speculated to exist since the 1970s. It is a resistor that has memory of the current that has flow through it by altering its resistance. There is conceivably both digital and analog uses for a memristor.

My personal interest, as seen below, is the use of the memristor in an analog artificial being. I believe our brains are analog computers rather than digital ones because we are able to differentiate the various “grays” in our world be it physical variations between objects or moral subtelties. Memristor theory could help explain why we have strong memories and weak memories, quick reflexes and slow reflexes and how they can be improved through either practice or memorization. The more you study or practice, the more you ping neurons with electrons, the stronger they become. This is a parallel to how the memristor works. See my thoughts for an artifical being below…

It should be noted, that inputs to the APU that are stronger (represented with thicker lines) take more precedence in computations. Could explain intuition or gut feelings based on memories even in the face of inputs from the environment. Strong versus weak senses could explain why the blind make up for lack of sight with superior hearing.

UPDATE: Listen to me discuss the memristor on my first audio podcast, click here.