Magnetic thinking

2006

Computers already use magnets to store their memories. Now scientists are trying to make their whole 'brain' go magnetic.

              


Conventional computers do their 'thinking' by shuttling electrons through arrangements of transistors called logic gates. But in order for those thoughts to be stored as computer memories, the electrical signals have to be translated by bulky components into magnetic fields on the metallic grains that cover your hard drive. This additional step takes up extra room in a computer.