News
October 17, 2006
DNA Computer Rocks At Tick-Tac-Toe
Poster: Aron Schatz
Posted on October 17, 2006 at 1:48:52 PM
This really 'speedy' DNA computer can actually play a game. It takes a very long time per move. Is this the future of computing?
Quote
Each well contains between 14 and 18 DNA logic gates. After a human player makes their move, MAYA-II responds through a DNA reaction. The strand outputted feeds into a series of other DNA logic gates that link the different wells. This results in a chemical reaction that generates a green fluorescent glow in the square MAYA-II selects as its next move. The strand also interacts with the remaining wells, priming them to respond appropriately to future moves. "MAYA-II moves bio-computation up to the next level of power," says Joanne Macdonald, a researcher at Columbia University, who helped build the system. "It's similar to the invention of the first microchips with hundreds of logic gates."
August 29, 2006
In the UK, Your DNA Is Safe
Poster: Aron Schatz
Posted on August 29, 2006 at 1:22:11 PM
A major score for the privacy (a civil right!) people. There is an act in the UK that makes DNA analysis without consent illegal. Good for the UK.
Quote
The new law, part of the Human Tissue Act 2004, makes it illegal to take a sample of someone's DNA and have it analysed without obtaining their consent. Employers tempted to use DNA to check up on staff, or insurance companies on their policy holders, will be prevented from doing so. "The incredible thing about DNA is that it has impact not only on one person but on their whole family's privacy too," says Kennedy. "Suppose some prominent figure in politics was suspected of not being the father of a child and a tabloid got hold of a sample."
Page:
[1]