Be Sure To Wash Your Hands After Using These Computers

Synthetic biology is a term that is unknown to most of the general public. For those who know what synthetic biology is, and the applications it’s be used for, know it’s one of the coolest advancements in computing technology. In an article by Bryn Nelson, of MSNBC, we get to take a look into some of the most recent developments into this biological computing phenomenon.

If you’re reading this and have absolutely no knowledge of synthetic biology, I’ll briefly explain. Synthetic Biology is the study of using biological components (bacteria, molds, etc..) for use in computer technology. The most recent studies are trying to harness bacteria as a means for data storage, and solving complex mathematical problems.

The “Burnt Pancake Problem” is the most recent mathematical problem, being used to test the computing capacity of “E. Coli”. The study is being conducted by Karmella Haynes, of Davidson University. The pancake problem, at its’ roots is a simple task to undertake. Basically each pancake has a burnt side, and a golden brown side. Each pancake has a different shape and size. The solution is found, by stacking the pancakes by order of size, while making sure that each pancake’s golden brown side is facing up. The problem starts out pretty simple, until you start adding more and more pancakes, each varying in size, and each randomly turning a side up.

It’s within problems such as these, that many researchers believe that natural bacteria could outperform conventional technology. Bacteria performs natural “pancake” like procedures to create millions and billions of “natural processors”. If we could one day harness the power generated by these natural procedures, they would easily out perform computers that we rely on today.

It’s hard to believe that bacteria that we though was only deadly and harmful to humans, could serve an important purpose. Synthetic biology could one day completely eradicate the need for ordinary computer technology. It’s not a stretch to imagine that within our lifetime, we could have computers running on technology that we typically find in nature.