Researchers at Maynooth University in Ireland have developed a molecular computer based on DNA capable of performing addition, multiplication, and division. The system functions as a thermodynamic computer, where molecules rearrange themselves into an energy-efficient state to provide calculation results without continuous power or external control.
The process begins with a brief heating phase, after which the system operates autonomously. In experiments, the computer successfully executed ten different programs. Simple operations were completed in approximately 30 seconds, while complex tasks, such as adding 100-bit numbers with values reaching tens of millions, required about 14 hours.
A significant advancement is the reusability of the DNA solution, which performed dozens of consecutive calculations without degradation, eliminating the need for fresh preparation for each task. While currently limited to laboratory settings, the technology offers potential for high-density data storage and biocompatible computing systems.
