gretle
- Technology
How Much Power Does The Human Brain Require To Operate?
According to Kwabena Boahen, a computer scientist at Stanford University, a robot with a processor as smart as the human brain would require at least 10 megawatts to operate. That's the amount of energy produced by a small hydroelectric plant. But a small group of computer scientists may have hit on a new neural supercomputer that could someday emulate the human brain's low energy requirements of just 20 watts--barely enough to run a dim light bulb.
11.9.2009 at 06:30pm - Comment by gretleAre these not light impulses of the brain? And if so; would it not be appropriate to use fiber optics to simulate the millions of neurons packed in so tight? And would that not also be less energy used then?
- DIY
Quantum Physics in a Glass
Before the discovery in the 1920s of quantum mechanics—laws that explain the way the world works on the very small scale of atoms and electrons—the fact that bleach and peroxide glow when mixed would have seemed like just another chemical reaction that gives off light, like fire or fireflies. But it’s actually a glimpse into the impossible.
7.28.2008 at 05:56pm - Comment by gretleWhat two chemicals when mixed together would make green glow? I was told that a lightening bug mixes chemicals too to make his glowing light. But they never said what the chemicals were. Anyone know? And if they do, is it because of the same tpye phenomenon as the glass of hydrogen and chlorine only with different chemicals? Don't aliens glow green too?
Download Our iPhone App
Stay up to date on the latest news of the future of science and technology from your iPhone with full articles, images and offline viewing
Follow Us On Twitter
Featuring every article from the magazine and website, plus links from around the Web. Also see our PopSci DIY feed
Become a Fan On Facebook
Share links with friends, comment on stories and more
December 2009: Best of What's New
In our December issue, Popular Science names the 100 best innovations of the year: bombproof wallpaper, self-parking cars, the fastest helicopter, and 97 more. Plus inventor profiles and videos.
Check out the best of what's new here.
Popular Science Photo Pool
Popular on Popsci
Most Viewed
- IBM's Blue Gene Supercomputer Models a Cat's Entire Brain
- Intel Wants Brain Implants in Its Customers' Heads by 2020
- Mesmerizing, Isn't It?
- Batteryless Remote Control Pulls Power from Your Button Presses
- New Reactor Uses Sunlight to Turn Water and Carbon Dioxide Into Fuel
- High-Pressure Diamond Anvil Creates a New Solid from Xenon and Hydrogen
- The Dubai Airshow As Seen From Orbit
- So Do Prosthetic Limbs Give Sprinters an Advantage Or Not?
- Boeing's Latest Mobile Laser Weapon Tracks and Shoots Down Drone
- Robotic Surrogate Takes Your Place at Work
Most Commented
- This Week in the Future, November 16-20, 2009
- This Week in the Future, November 23-26, 2009: Thanksgiving Special
- Intel Wants Brain Implants in Its Customers' Heads by 2020
- IBM's Blue Gene Supercomputer Models a Cat's Entire Brain
- New Reactor Uses Sunlight to Turn Water and Carbon Dioxide Into Fuel
- CERN Successfully Brings Large Hadron Collider Back Online
- Smart Armor Knows Its Own Strength, As Well As The Enemy's
- NASA Robotic Rocket Plane To Survey Martian Surface
- Rat Brain Modelers Denounce IBM's Cat Brain Simulation as "Shameful and Unethical" Hoax
- At the International Robot Exhibition in Japan, Robots For Your Every Need
Most Emailed
- New Reactor Uses Sunlight to Turn Water and Carbon Dioxide Into Fuel
- Sighted: A Secret US Aircraft in Afghanistan
- World's First Osmotic Power Plant Goes Live in Norway
- High-Pressure Diamond Anvil Creates a New Solid from Xenon and Hydrogen
- President Obama Hopes to Jumpstart Science and Technology Education With New Initiative
- Mourning the Death of the Meta Media Experience
- The (Slightly) Poorer Man's Tesla: ECOS Harbinger
- Decoded Corn Genome Promises Higher Yields, Better Biofuels, New Plastics
- Everything You Need To Know About Chrome OS
- Roboticists Want to Make You an Electric Car Customized for Your Personal Commute
Today on PopSci.com
Copyright © 2009 Popular Science
A Bonnier Corporation Company. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
