Emulation of biological synapses that perform memory and learning functions is an essential step toward realization of bioinspired neuromorphic systems. Artificial synaptic devices have been developed based mostly on inorganic materials and conventional semiconductor device fabrication processes. Here, we propose flexible biomemristor devices based on lignin by a simple solution process. Lignin is one of the most abundant organic polymers on Earth and is biocompatible, biodegradable, as well as environmentally benign. This memristor emulates several essential synaptic behaviors, including analog memory switching, short-term plasticity, long-term plasticity, spike-rate-dependent plasticity, and short-term to long-term transition. A flexible lignin-based artificial synapse device can be operated without noticeable degradation under mechanical bending test. These results suggest lignin can be a promising key component for artificial synapses and flexible electronic devices.

Neuromorphic and cognitive computing with a capability of analyzing complicated information is explored as a new paradigm of intelligent systems. An implementation of a renewable material as an essential building block of an artificial synaptic device is suggested and a flexible and transparent synaptic device based on collagen extracted from fish skin is demonstrated. This device exhibits essential synaptic behaviors including analog memory characteristics, excitatory postsynaptic current, and pairedpulse facilitation as short-term plasticity. The brain-inspired electronic synapse undergoes incremental potentiation and depression when flat or bent. The device emulates spike-timing-dependent plasticity when stimulated by engineered pre-and post-neuron spikes with the appropriate time difference between the imposed pulses. The proposed synaptic device has the advantage of being biocompatible owing to use of Mg electrodes and collagen as a naturally abundant protein. This device has a potential to be used in flexible and implantable neuromorphic systems in the future.

Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) is a distressing, often overlooked condition in patients with CKD and end-stage renal disease. It affects ~40% of patients with end-stage renal disease and has been associated with poor quality of life, poor sleep, depression, and mortality. Prevalence estimates vary based on the instruments used to diagnose CKD-aP, and standardized diagnostic instruments are sorely needed. Treatment studies have often yielded conflicting results. This is likely related to studies that are limited by small sample size, flawed designs, and nonstandardized diagnostic instruments. Several large well-designed treatment trials have recently been completed and may soon influence CKD-aP management.

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The growing interest in bioinspired and sustainable electronics has induced research on biocompatible and biodegradable materials. However, conventional electronic devices have been restricted due to their nonbiodegradable and sometimes harmful and toxic materials, which can even cause environmental issues. Here, we report a resistive switching random access memory (ReRAM) device based on lignin, which is a biodegradable waste product of the paper industry. The active layer of the device can be easily formed using a simple solution process on a plastic substrate. The memory devices show stable bipolar resistive switching behavior with good endurance and retention. Appropriate control of the maximum reset voltage and compliance current can yield multibit data storage capability with at least four resistance states, which can be exploited to realize a high-density memory device. The resistive switching mechanism may be a result of formation and rupture of carbon-rich filaments. These results suggest that lignin is a promising candidate material for an inexpensive and environmentally benign ReRAM device. We believe that this study can initiate a new route toward development of biocompatible and flexible electronics.