The microprocessor air.

Researchers from the University of Michigan have developed a microprocessor consisting of channels and valves that draw air in a tube is a 0 and eject a 1. Its practical utility remains to be seen.

The New Scientist magazine has published the invention Minsoung Rhee and Mark Burns, University of Michigan, which have created a silicon chip that works without electricity or, based on air pressure. The complex design of channels and valves send ones and zeros that represent the digital language sucking or expelling the air.

From this basis, researchers have managed to implement all basic features such as microprocessor logic gates, shift registers or flip-flops to achieve 8-bit microprocessor-style carrying computers as the Spectrum and consoles like the NES Nintendo in the early 80s.

Apart from its value as a laboratory curiosity, its creators say can be used to improve devices called "lab on a chip" designed to automate complex tasks and improve chemical disease testing, DNA testing and other laboratory work.