 |
Science Fiction
Dictionary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
|
 |
Biomolecular Computer: The Tiniest Doc?
A biomolecular computer diagnoses in vitro a form of cancer - and then performs an appropriate medical intervention by producing a biologically active molecule with anti-cancer activity. The input, output and software are made up of DNA molecules. Dr. Ehud Shapiro, of the Weizmann Institute, states "Our work represents the first actual proof of concept and the first actual demonstration of a possible real-life application for this kind of computer."

(From Weizmann Institute of Science)
Our work demonstrates a robust and flexible molecular computer capable of logical analysis of mRNA disease indicators in vitro and the controlled administration of biologically active ssDNA molecules, including drugs. The modularity of the design facilitates improving each computer component independently. For example, computer regulation by other biological molecules such as proteins,
the output of other biologically active molecules such as RNA interference, and in vivo operation can all be explored simultaneously and independently.
(From An autonomous molecular computer for logical control of gene expression)
Each molecular computer acts on its own, and performs just one diagnosis and drug administration task. A system of biomolecular computers could perform a set of tasks in parallel without interfering with each other.
How big are they? About one trillion biomolecular computers can fit into a drop of fluid.
These little DNA-based computers are the first generation of biological problem-solving computers. To see what biomolecular computers are like when they become intelligent, see the intellectual cells from Greg Bear's classic 1984 novel Blood Music.
See the original story here and Tiny computer could fight cancer.
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 5/2/2004)
Follow this kind of news @Technovelgy.
| Email | RSS | Blog It | Stumble | del.icio.us | Digg | Reddit |
Would
you like to contribute a story tip?
It's easy:
Get the URL of the story, and the related sf author, and add
it here.
Comment/Join discussion ( 2 )
Related News Stories -
("
Medical
")
ErythroMer Artificial Blood
'My chemists are all working on the preparation of the artificial blood.' - Dr. David H. Keller, M.D.
MouthPad Supports Head And Tongue Tracking
'The operation that had transformed half his body... had located the control switchboard in his teeth.'- Alfred Bester, 1956.
Drug Induces Hibernation-Like State In Humans
'... drugged and chilled and stowed in sleep tanks.' - Robert Heinlein, 1951.
Drug To Regenerate Teeth In Humans
'We want to do something to help those who are suffering from tooth loss or absence,' said lead researcher Katsu Takahashi.
Technovelgy (that's tech-novel-gee!)
is devoted to the creative science inventions and ideas of sf authors. Look for
the Invention Category that interests
you, the Glossary, the Invention
Timeline, or see what's New.
|
 |
Science Fiction
Timeline
1600-1899
1900-1939
1940's 1950's
1960's 1970's
1980's 1990's
2000's 2010's
Current News
Nuclear Plant Restarted To Power AI To Feed Us Dreams
'...Anything was possible in my imaginary environment.'
SpaceX's Starman Tesla Roadster In Space
'Somewhere in space, a chrome and blue automobile raced the green light of Earth.'
Pivotal Blackfly Electric Aircraft Lifts And Hovers
'That explains how it was so easy for me to remain motionless in midair...'
CORLEO Robotic Horse Concept Looks Ready To Ride
Imagine digging your heels in to a steam horse!
Who First Thought Of A Tin Foil Hat?
'We had discovered that metal was relatively impervious to the telepathic effect.'
Warp Drive Tech Back On The Menu
'Detailed plans for the construction of the Gundstetter-Halone warp drive were flowing.'
Huawei Pura X Folding Phattie Phone
Why can't we get more innovative phone configurations?
Sleep Pods At Daxing International Airport
'Do not waste your priceless company on the unappreciative folds of a sleep pod...'
Robot Baristas Learn Their Trade Without Paying Royalties
'...so we've promised him a generous pension from the royalties.'
JAXA Int Ball 2 Coming Right Along As Star Wars Remote
'Hocus-pocus religions and archaic weapons are no substitute for a good blaster at your side.'
Robot Bricklayer Or Passer-By Bricklayer?
'Oscar picked up a trowel. 'I'm the tool for the mortar,' the little trowel squeaked cheerfully.'
Robot Gas Station Attendant Pumps Gas For You
'... he waited for the robotrix attendant to finish fueling up his ship.'
Engineer Creates Crazy Motorized Track Hospital Bed
The Roujin Z system provides care to fully bedridden patients - and then some!
Tiny Flying Robot Weighs Just One Gram
'Aerostat meant anything that hung in the air. This was an easy trick to pull off nowadays.'
Some Ringworld Configurations Are Stable
'The Ringworld had no horizon. There was no line where the land curved away from the sky.'
TRANSFORM Dynamic Furniture Concept Becomes What You Need
'An adjustment panel outside the door would cause it to extrude various appurtenances in memory plastic...'
More SF in the News Stories
More Beyond Technovelgy science news stories
|
 |