Researchers Program DNA Strands to Perform Digital Calculations

According to this article, the use of silicon-based circuitry in computers limits how powerful computing power can be. Scientists are exploring the idea of using DNA and other mediums to break through those limits.

Another interesting article related to this: A Biotech Company is using Human Neurons to Build Powerful Computers

So far, the experiments have proven successful, but the computing power is very primitive compared to traditional computers:

A team of researchers from Duke University have now taken us a step further toward the reality of DNA computers, by programming a series of easily-replicable genetic strands to perform mathematical calculations, using their own code. The two sides of each DNA strand have their own corresponding chemical bases that match with one another, alanine with taurine, and cytosine with guanine, making a digital code, although one based on the four-phase GATC, as opposed to the more familiar 1 and 0 that makes up the binary code our current computers use.

These researchers are hopeful that this approach will prove to be extremely useful in the fields of medicine, but they are just barely scratching the surface.

Reif sees this new computing technique as a way to integrate small computer systems within the human body, without having to resort to intrusive electronic devices. DNA computers could be specifically coded to not interfere with the body's normal operations, but could quietly monitor the bloodstream for chemical markers that indicate trouble, or perhaps even to activate automatically to augment the body's immune system in the event of a health crisis.

www.unknowncountry.com...

a reply to: FamCore

DNA computers could be specifically coded to not interfere with the body's normal operations, but could quietly monitor the bloodstream for chemical markers that indicate trouble, or perhaps even to activate automatically to augment the body's immune system in the event of a health crisis.

Or, if mutations occur, decide to wipe out all the blood cells in the body.

a reply to: intrptr

Kind of like Skynet - when it turns on the people, but it's already inside of them, who could stop 'em? Not John Connor.. not even the (ex)Governator

originally posted by: FamCore
a reply to: intrptr

Kind of like Skynet - when it turns on the people, but it's already inside of them, who could stop 'em? Not John Connor.. not even the (ex)Governator

They'll have to invent nano governors.

The horror...

a reply to: FamCore

Kind of like Skynet - when it turns on the people, but it's already inside of them, who could stop 'em?

Common misconception.

Actually the DNA used in computers will be artificially manufactured, for computer use. If placed inside the human body, it'd have no usable effect; you need a special computer interpreter to read and execute the code.

Placing a CD in your mouth doesn't enable you to sing like Simon and Garfunkel. Same thing here.

a reply to: swanne

That makes sense - thanks for clarifying that. So scientists would have to find a way to integrate this artificial DNA within our natural DNA, and have the transmission/translation occur otherwise the "computerized" DNA couldn't communicate outside of its own system/sphere

originally posted by: FamCore
a reply to: swanne

That makes sense - thanks for clarifying that. So scientists would have to find a way to integrate this artificial DNA within our natural DNA, and have the transmission/translation occur otherwise the "computerized" DNA couldn't communicate outside of its own system/sphere

...not yet, anyway...

Do we really want to go there? Do we have any choice? Are we already there?...A "wandering" mind wants to know.

Fishy