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DNA Logic Gates Calculate a Square Root

arstechnica.com

11–15 of 15 posts

Re: DNA Logic Gates Calculate a Square Root

#11
post #2

To my way of thinking I'd like to see a species of grass that factors 2048 bit integers. Figuring that once a factorization was found it would express a gene which turned to color of the blade red, then every week after you mow you lawn you could look through your clippings to find the red ones, sequence those and then see if you had the keys to any banks. :-)

You'd need a LOT of grass.

The world has that.

Re: DNA Logic Gates Calculate a Square Root

#12
post #2

To my way of thinking I'd like to see a species of grass that factors 2048 bit integers. Figuring that once a factorization was found it would express a gene which turned to color of the blade red, then every week after you mow you lawn you could look through your clippings to find the red ones, sequence those and then see if you had the keys to any banks. :-)

Brings new meaning to the field of computer science.

Re: DNA Logic Gates Calculate a Square Root

#13
post #8

It's neat, but are there any practical applications for this?

Various biomolecules, including DNA, RNA, enzymes, and small molecules, could all potentially be used as inputs. And it should be possible to link the outputs into relevant biological functions, including gene expression. This would suggest, perhaps smart medicines capable of changing their active makeup based on logic in response to the actual conditions in the body. Heck, given a lot of advancement it isn't that te…

But we can already build a small computer with some sensors and medicine dispensers and implant it like a pacemaker to accomplish more or less the same thing. However, upon further consideration, I can think of a few areas where DNA-based logic circuits could plausibly beat silicon-based ones:

* Self-inactivating medicine. For example, insulin that stops working after blood glucose levels return to normal, so that insulin shock does not occur. Also, one could make a medicine that automatically inactivates if its own concentration goes too high, thus preventing overdose. Quicker inactivation can also limit the opportunity for side-effects.

* More precise targeting. One could custom design a medicine such that ot only becomes active at the desired site. For example, an antiviral drug that only activates in areas with high concentrations of virus. Again, this would help limit side-effects.

Re: DNA Logic Gates Calculate a Square Root

#14
post #2

To my way of thinking I'd like to see a species of grass that factors 2048 bit integers. Figuring that once a factorization was found it would express a gene which turned to color of the blade red, then every week after you mow you lawn you could look through your clippings to find the red ones, sequence those and then see if you had the keys to any banks. :-)

So you'd be running a blade server farm?
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