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MIT Making Computer Parts from DNA

Rei writes "Following in the footsteps of Lynn Conway's pioneering work on VLSI that allowed ordinary students to create their own processors, a group of MIT professors have almost completed doing the same thing using DNA, known as synthetic biology. While not all of the components of a basic computer are working yet, there is hope that some day ordinary students may be able to design living computers, producing everything from novel drugs to seeds that sprout into treehouses."

4 of 243 comments (clear)

  1. Humans playing God? by IO+ERROR · · Score: 4, Interesting
    This has been on /. twice before.

    Anyway, it appears that they're actually trying to create synthetic living things, which is way beyond computer parts. If they can pull this off, it will be one hell of a hack. Humans playing God, creating life. Theology may well be shaken to its very foundations.

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  2. Doing DNA at home... by TheSync · · Score: 4, Interesting

    If you want to try this yourself, check out DNA Hack, the website for Amateur Genetic Engineering

  3. Re:A Lil' Dangerous? by gl4ss · · Score: 4, Interesting

    yeah. just like normal chemistry does(think about all the easy to mix poisons and drugs!).

    or mechanics, or the two combined(whaaat? GUNS). so yeah, let's just dump it. let's not go there, let's put all scientific progress on statis.

    or maybe gerbils are dangerous, they multiply(hell, rabbits have/are "dangerous" for some eco systems).

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  4. Imagine the greater system possibilities! by theblacksun · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Integrate these biological components into a electrical/electronical/mechanical system and you can get some neat toys.

    How about a tree designed specifically to hide wireless cameras/microphones?

    Home biological garbage disposals, like a fast-paced compost pile.

    How about some easily controlled flying insectoid? You could tap into its optical system and save yourself the power of the cameras, just have the transmitter.

    Of course I am ignoring the possibilities of abuse. They are both endless and quite horrifying.

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