Scientists from North Carolina State University and Johns Hopkins University have made a significant step towards creating computational systems inside living cells by developing a DNA computer capable of performing computational tasks and storing data.
DNA Computers
Most molecular computers are developed using synthesized DNA. In testing, this DNA-based computer has solved sudoku and chess problems, demonstrating its potential. While practical applications for insertion into living organisms are unlikely at present, the scientific foundation has been laid.
Living Blockchains
The basic premise of a blockchain inside a human would be similar to how blockchain networks function in classical computing. Different cells in a person's body could work as validation nodes for transactions on a cellular blockchain. It would be theoretically possible to create a network of DNA computers inside a specific organ to validate its function and cellular integrity.
Prospects and Opportunities
Although such technology seems far from reality, the research demonstrates that it may be achievable in the future. The breakthrough in molecular computing has opened up prospects for further development and research in this field.
The new research in molecular computing demonstrates the potential of DNA-based computational systems. This may be the first step towards developing technologies that integrate computational processes into living organisms.
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