Nippon Electric Corporation researchers in Princeton, New Jersey have
patented (US 5 804 373) a universal computer, originally proposed by British
code-breaker Alan Turing. This one stores programs on DNA strands instead of an
infinite tape. NEC uses circular loops of DNA, where a sequence of 20 molecules
represents a letter of the alphabet. The loops are cut with enzymes to create
鈥渟ticky鈥� ends which can be re-joined to explore every possible combination of
letters. Staining the DNA with dye will reveal the patterns formed. Although DNA
computing is slow, a very large number of strands can be treated at the same
time to create a massively parallel processor.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Technology
Google shouldn鈥檛 be pressuring schools to use its AI
91色情片
Technology
Australia鈥檚 social media ban faces high court challenge
News
Technology
The nuclear waste repository in Finland designed to outlast modern civilisation
Features
Technology
How did the biggest crypto heist in history just happen?
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles