DNA Strands: The New Tic-Tac-Toe Champion?

Silicon computers made of DNA strands and test tubes are a hot topic for a small group of scientists. At several universities (such as Columbia and NYU), scientists customize DNA strands to perform logical operators that can be carried out in computers.

According to the creators of MAYA II (the name of the DNA based computer), the program can succesfully beat or draw a human opponent in tic-tac-toe. In order to do so, the computer uses a 3x3 matrix of test tubes, each possessing its own individual DNA gate. The DNA reacts to an input molecule from the human user and performs a given move. MAYA II requires 128 different DNA gates and 32 input molecules to perform the tic-tac-toe game.

Using the DNA molecules to perform computational and logical tasks creates a door for the biomedical drug and detection industry. Hopefully, better drugs can be given triggered responses that can react to specific conditions. For example, a drug that reacts to specific pathogen. As well, nano-manufacturing can be improved.

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http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?chanID=sa016&articleID=000A70B0-8024-1536-802483414B7F011B