Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Researchers Debut DNA-Powered Computer

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the chess-and-checkers-versions-still-under-development dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Researchers at Columbia University and the University of New Mexico have built a DNA -powered computer that is unbeatable at Tic-Tac-Toe. Although it's much slower than a normal computer, the researchers say their proof-of-concept system could help them develop new techniques for sorting and analyzing viruses and DNA mutations."

5 of 158 comments (clear)

  1. Is this related to the other DNA announcement? by jesterzog · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Can anyone comment on how this is related (if at all) to a recent announcement in New Zealand about a new ability to "store and execute computer programmes within a microscopic DNA Pharmaceutical crystal"? [1] [2]. Supposedly (according to radio reports) the New Zealand group has been working for 20 years in secret (or something) until the press release in the past day or so.

    I'm wondering if it's a case of one group having announced in a rush so as not to be overshadowed by another group that's been working on the same thing.

  2. I can prove you right by burndive · · Score: 2, Interesting
    I wonder why that is a limitation. IIRC you can force a tie no matter where the first player goes. Anyone care to prove me wrong?

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tic-tac-toe

    There is a non-losing strategy for both the first and second player.

    --
    ...because "hacker" sounds way sexier than "code drone."
  3. Re:Obligatory by AKAImBatman · · Score: 3, Interesting

    My name is Inigo Montoya. You stole my joke. Prepare to die! :P

    --
    Javascript + Nintendo DSi = DSiCade
  4. Re:Unbeatable at Tic Tac Toe? by Class+Act+Dynamo · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Now wait a minute. It does not sound like you are trying very hard. Since you are waiting for the rock to make a move, you can go eat, drink, urinate, take a dump, sleep, have intimate relations, or anything else as long as you trust the rock not to cheat. If you wait it out long enough, the sun will eventually explode, and your rock will probably melt. Then you can claim victory and be the best. We all have goals, and the only way to achieve them is to persevere in the face of adversity.

    --
    My other computer is a Jacquard loom.
  5. Bio-tech: Wow by writerjosh · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Wow, I can't believe nobody is excited about this. This is the birth of the next evolution of computers: bio-computers. Think about it. The first computers could only place simple games as well, but now look at us. Bio-computers are closer to recreating human technology: life.

    "It's lovely work," says Peter Bentley, a computer scientist linked to University College London. But he notes that a system that cannot be extended much further than playing tic-tac-toe "is merely a novelty". Stojanovic and Stefanovic are aware of this and are now focusing on developing simple decision-making solutions that can operate in vivo. Molecules could, for example, assess faults in a living cell and then either kill or repair it. source

    --
    Health Insurance Quotes