Developed by a team at the University of Rochester in the state of New York, the computer uses 32 strands of DNA to store and process information, calculating the square root of square numbers 1, 4, 9, 16, 25 and so on up to 900.

The DNA computer uses a process known as hybridisation, which occurs when two strands of DNA attach together to form double-stranded DNA.

To begin with, the researchers encode a number onto the DNA using a combination of ten building blocks, with each combination representing a different number up to 900. It is then attached to a fluorescence marker.

The team then controls hybridisation in such a way that it changes the overall fluorescent signal so that it corresponds to the square root of the original number. The number can then be deduced from the colour.

In the paper published in the journal Small, the team, led by researcher Chunlei Guo, explains why their own DNA computer is both unique and powerful in comparison to other models.

Previous DNA computer models have been able to calculate square roots with up to 4-bit binary numbers, meaning just four digits worth of 0s and 1s, and a maximum value of 15 representing a range of 16 values beginning with 0. Meanwhile, Guo’s computer calculates with 10 bits, meaning 1,024 values ranging from 0 to 1,023.

According to Guo, the DNA computer has the potential to assist in the development of more complex computing circuits.

Furthermore, the team said DNA computing is similar in a big-scheme way to quantum computing as both involve positioning molecules and particles as a mechanical form of computation. Guo’s team believes this type of computing will join quantum computing as a method that could eventually outpace silicon-chip computing.

“DNA computing is still in its infancy, but holds great promise for solving problems that are too difficult or even impossible to handle by current silicon-based computers,” Guo said.

Developed by a team at the University of Rochester in the state of New York, the computer uses 32 strands of DNA to store and process information, calculating the square root of square numbers 1, 4, 9, 16, 25 and so on up to 900.

The DNA computer uses a process known as hybridisation, which occurs when two strands of DNA attach together to form double-stranded DNA.

To begin with, the researchers encode a number onto the DNA using a combination of ten building blocks, with each combination representing a different number up to 900. It is then attached to a fluorescence marker.

The team then controls hybridisation in such a way that it changes the overall fluorescent signal so that it corresponds to the square root of the original number. The number can then be deduced from the colour.

In the paper published in the journal Small, the team, led by researcher Chunlei Guo, explains why their own DNA computer is both unique and powerful in comparison to other models.

Previous DNA computer models have been able to calculate square roots with up to 4-bit binary numbers, meaning just four digits worth of 0s and 1s, and a maximum value of 15 representing a range of 16 values beginning with 0. Meanwhile, Guo’s computer calculates with 10 bits, meaning 1,024 values ranging from 0 to 1,023.

According to Guo, the DNA computer has the potential to assist in the development of more complex computing circuits.

Furthermore, the team said DNA computing is similar in a big-scheme way to quantum computing as both involve positioning molecules and particles as a mechanical form of computation. Guo’s team believes this type of computing will join quantum computing as a method that could eventually outpace silicon-chip computing.

“DNA computing is still in its infancy, but holds great promise for solving problems that are too difficult or even impossible to handle by current silicon-based computers,” Guo said.