London, June 24 (IANS) A new technique patterned on the human brain is likely to revolutionise computing power by performing at lightning speed and cutting down energy consumption.

 
 The research led by the University of Exeter showed, for the first time, simultaneous 'brain-like' information processing and storage using phase-change materials, a semi-conductor that exhibits remarkable properties.
 
 Phase-change materials can be used to make artificial neurons and synapses, structured in an artificial system that potentially learns and processes information like our own brains.
 
 Computers currently deal with processing and memory separately, resulting in a speed and power 'bottleneck' caused by the need to continually move data around, the journal Advanced Materials reports. 
 
 This is totally unlike anything in biology, for example in human brains, where no real distinction is made between memory and computation, according to an Exeter statement.
 
 University of Exeter's David Wright, who led the research, said: "Our findings have major implications for the development of entirely new forms of computing, including 'brain-like' computers."
 
 "We have uncovered a technique for potentially developing new forms of 'brain-like' computer systems that could learn, adapt and change over time. This is something that researchers have been striving for over many years."