Reuters: Scientists develop new type of memory circuit - 'Could lead to a computer you never have to boot up'

It took about 40 years to find it, but scientists at Hewlett-Packard said on Wednesday they discovered a fourth basic type of electrical circuit that could lead to a computer you never have to boot up.

The finding proves what until now had only been theory -- but could save millions from the tedium of waiting for a computer to find its "place," the researchers said.

Basic electronics theory teaches that there are three fundamental elements of a passive circuit -- resistors, capacitors and inductors.