Maynooth University researchers develop electricity-free DNA computer

Researchers at Maynooth University in Ireland have developed a DNA computer capable of performing mathematical operations without a continuous electricity supply. Unlike traditional silicon-based chips, this system utilizes molecular interactions within a liquid medium to process information.

The computing process occurs in a small droplet containing water, salt, and specifically designed DNA strands. By applying slight temperature changes to initiate reactions, the system can perform addition, multiplication, and division. As the molecules interact and form structures, the resulting structure represents the answer to the calculation.

Described as one of the most complex and fastest molecular computers reported to date, the system has been tested with various programs, including 100-bit computations. This technology offers potential advancements in energy-efficient computing and long-term data storage by moving away from electronic circuits toward biological molecular processes.