The Future of Computing

DNA Devices That Run on Heat

- Gurbachan Singh Miglani Ex-Adjunct Professor; [e-mail] Maninder Kaur Teaching Assistant; [e-mail] Prabhasis Kaur M.Sc. Molecular Biology and Biotechnology; School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana (Punjab)

Imagine a computer so small that it operates at the molecular level—using DNA (short form of deoxyribonucleic acid), the molecule that is called ‘thread of life’ as it stores our genetic code, to perform calculations. Now, imagine this tiny computer can power itself using nothing but heat. That's no longer science fiction—it's becoming science fact.

Discovery of DNA computers: DNA computer was described in 1994 by Leonard Adleman who first defined its prototype and suggested it as a sustainable replacement for standard electronic storage options. Researchers around the world are racing to develop DNA computers that can process information just like today's silicon-based computers. But instead of using electricity, these devices use biochemistry—specifically, the way DNA strands interact and bind with each other—to do their job.

Efficient storage system: DNA is an incredibly efficient storage system. It can keep information intact for millions of years without using any power source. But getting DNA to perform repeated operations like a normal computer requires energy—and until now, scientists have struggled to find a clean, sustainable power source.

How DNA processes information?