Researchers have designed a computer prototype whose processor works without electricity, integrating living organisms. How did such an innovation come about? ?
Dan Nicolau, professor at McGill University (Canada) and his son have developed, at the cost of ten years of effort, a prototype which is currently attracting all the attention, and this by collaborating with scientists Dutch, German or even Swedish. This information was reported by The Latest News and published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) on February 18, 2016.
This is an ordinary computer, the particularity of which lies in the nature of its processor. The latter measures only 1.5 cm² and does not heat up during use. However, what makes it truly exceptional is the fact that it uses organic feed, which was unheard of until now. The processor in question incorporates adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule active in the biochemistry of all known living organisms.
“We succeeded in creating a very complex network in a very restricted area”, says Dan Nicolau. This molecule is used to circulate proteins inside the circuits of the processor, which can be compared to a “crowded and organized city-shaped fence”just like today’s supercomputers whose size is matched only by their crazy energy consumption.
This prototype processor, which could integrate what is called a biocomputer, would have a much lower power consumption than a conventional processor and would enjoy increased longevity. Its use could be effective in the context of simultaneous calculations of a large number of mathematical operations.
According to the Science Alert website, these machines « alive » could play their role in the market, and “to become an important part of the supercomputers of tomorrow” as part of the creation of hybrid devices.
Dan Nicolau explains in a publication from McGill University that “It all started with a sketch sketched on the back of an envelope after drinking too much rum”. That day, the scientist was drawing « earthworms that explored labyrinths »an act that is none other than the origin of the creation of this processor.
Sources: Slate – Generation NT
Photo credit: McGill University