Random access memory including nanotube switching elements. A memory cell includes first and second nanotube switching elements and an electronic memory. Each nanotube switching element includes conductive terminals, a nanotube article and control circuitry capable of controllably form and unform an electrically conductive channel between the conductive terminals. The electronic memory is a volatile storage device capable of storing a logic state in response to electrical stimulus. In certain embodiment the electronic memory has cross-coupled first and second inverters in electrical communication with the first and second nanotube switching elements. The cell can operate as a normal electronic memory, or can operate in a shadow memory or store mode (e.g., when power is interrupted) to transfer the electronic memory state to the nanotube switching elements. The device may later be operated in a recall mode where the state of the nanotube switching elements may be transferred to the electronic memory.