WORLD NEWS
A DNA molecular computer solved a 100-bit calculation by relaxing toward equilibrium
Short tile strands compete for positions on a long DNA scaffold; mismatched neighbours are disfavoured and the correct arrangement becomes the output.
Programs included multiplication by three, division by two, 8-bit parity and addition of two 25-bit numbers, counted as a 100-bit computation.
What is new
Designing the answer as the favoured equilibrium reduces the need for a separate error-correction circuit and prescribed reaction path. Small cases finished under a minute and were reused dozens of times.
Does it use no energy
The molecular phase needs no continuous electrical power, but DNA synthesis, heating, cooling and measurement still consume energy.
Is it practical now
The tasks are far simpler and slower than silicon computing. Its promise is molecular parallelism and compatibility with chemical environments.
Next check
Larger programs must test accuracy, preparation cost and readout. In-cell diagnosis remains a future possibility, not a treatment demonstrated here.
Primary source and independent checks
Read in other languages
한국어 · English · Español · 日本語 · Tiếng Việt