A computer no longer has to look like a box with a processor, a screen and a fan.
Scientists have created a molecular computer made of DNA, which is capable of performing calculations literally in a drop of salt water.
The system has been named Scaffolded DNA Computer — SDC. Instead of silicon transistors, it uses long and short DNA strands that bind to one another according to predefined rules.
In essence, the molecules themselves "sort through" the options and strive to assemble the most stable structure — and that structure corresponds to the correct answer.
And this is not merely a spectacular laboratory trick.
The researchers ran on this computer 10 different programs: it performed addition, multiplication and division, determined parity, and even handled 100-bit computations.
Small tasks took less than a minute, while the most complex ones could take considerably longer.
What is especially interesting is that such a system can be used repeatedlyThe same programs were run many times with different input data, and the computer kept on working.
At the same time, it does not need the usual electric processor. Its "engine" is chemistry and thermodynamics: the DNA molecules rearrange themselves so as to reach a stable state.
Of course, such technology is still very far from replacing laptops. Ordinary silicon chips are, for now, incomparably faster and more convenient.
But DNA computers may prove useful in completely different fields — for example, for storing information, creating molecular sensors, smart materials and computations directly inside living cells.
The result is a rather amusing evolution of computing technology.
At one time, a computer occupied an entire room.
Then it fit on a desk.
Then — in a pocket.
And now scientists have reached the stage:
"Careful, don't spill the computer." 😄
