Researchers in America have developed a new DNA computer which can play noughts and crosses, reports the New Scientist:
MAYA-II, developed by researchers at Columbia University and the University of New Mexico in the US, uses a system of DNA logic gates to calculate its moves.
A DNA logic gate consists of a strand of DNA that binds to another specific input sequence. This binding causes a region of the strand to work as an enzyme, modifying yet another short DNA sequence into an output string. Scientists have already developed DNA computers capable of various similar simple calculations. But the researchers behind MAYA-II say their design should prove particularly useful for exploring ways to identify the genetic markers associated with certain diseases.
OK, so it's not particularly advanced - it has to start each game with a X in the centre of the board, and moves take up to 30 minutes to calculate - but it's a step forward. Will see the advent of biocomputing any time soon?
