Enzyme computers could live inside us, dispense drugs
Israeli researchers have
just announced the successful completion of a molecular computer, which uses enzymatic chemical reactions to perform
the necessary logic computations. Itamar Willner and his team at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem built the computer
using glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enzymes, with hydrogen peroxide and glucose
molecules representing input values. The presence or absence of these two chemicals correspond to binary 1s and 0s,
allowing the computer to perform AND and XOR operations which are determined optically by a camera. Although enzyme
computers will always be inherently slower than parallel processing DNA computers, Willner envisions his invention
being used one day to precisely calculate and distribute doses of medicine from inside a patient's body.[Via TG Daily]
Filed under: Misc. Gadgets
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
NilsTh @ Feb 24th 2006 11:50AM
Theres so many jokes to go with this story, but Ill go with "Hope it gives me the 'blue screen of death'!"
We're next @ Feb 24th 2006 12:02PM
India's President, A P J Abdul Kalam (a rocket scientist himself), predicted something like this a few months ago:
"...Nano-robots will carry diagnostic probe and treatment solutions. Finally, the robots will get digested in the human system after curing the disease."
http://www.newkerala.com/news.php?action=fullnews&id=69339
Zex_Suik @ Feb 24th 2006 12:27PM
So...that puddle of goop on the floor that has been growing for the last 2 weeks could be a computer? maybe even sentient? The possibilities are endless...
doc "here drink this"
you "wassat?"
doc "a computer"
you "wtf?"
doc "NOW! you will be assimilated. Resistance is futile..."
Wry Cooter @ Feb 24th 2006 1:05PM
I'm not sure whether to ask this new molecular computer for the location of closest deli, or the closest sushi bar.
MP @ Feb 24th 2006 1:20PM
meh, a computer isn't a computer if you can't use it to look at porn.
Alhaji Mustafa @ Feb 24th 2006 2:02PM
"Intestinal computer self destruct in 10, 9, 8, 7..."
Bacardi Coke @ Feb 24th 2006 2:18PM
"meh, a computer isn't a computer if you can't use it to look at porn."
I think you mean "pron" sir.
emceay @ Feb 24th 2006 2:23PM
It's all good until the enzyme computers start countering the effects you want in your brain but big brother doesn't. The ultimate buzzkill.
Jim @ Feb 24th 2006 3:24PM
LOL can we reprogram it to dispense a constant dose of heroin?
bobbyhc @ Feb 24th 2006 6:39PM
it'll give us computer-geeks an advantage in drug dealing. "i hacked this oxycontin to release the drug 2x as fast for you"
mike d @ Feb 24th 2006 7:24PM
can it run doom?
Gregory Schwedock @ Feb 24th 2006 9:59PM
"horseradish peroxidase (HRP)" from "Hebrew University of Jerusalem" oh man thats awesome! i cant beleive they used horseradish this belongs on saturday night live. I love us jews ...not even getting into all the amazingly cool science
Chet Jones @ Feb 25th 2006 10:08AM
OK, I can see all kinds of possibilities from big brother to life enhancing and life saving applications. If this thing can be rigged to measure glucose and dispense insulin on demand, it would make life a lot nicer for us insulin dependent diabetics.
Also, if it could dispense antipsychotics, it might make the next family reunion more pleasant.
Bryan @ Feb 26th 2006 2:20AM
Where's the off switch?