The world's fastest silicon-based microchip has been demonstrated by scientists in the US.
The prototype operates at speeds up to 500 gigahertz (GHz), more than 100 times faster than desktop PC chips.

To break the world record, the researchers from IBM and the Georgia Institute of Technology had to super-cool the chip with liquid helium.

The team believes the device could eventually speed up wireless networks and develop cheaper mobile phones.

"Faster and faster chips open up new applications and reduce costs for existing products," said Professor David Ahlgren of IBM.

full story: news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/5099584.stm