![DNA tiles](https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/17151600/SEI_187589476.jpg?width=1200)
DNA tiles that assemble themselves into a series of letters might represent a new form of computing
Olivier Wyart/HEADQUARTER, 2023. www.headquarter.paris
It is possible to classify images simply by analysing the way that trillions of DNA molecules in a test tube connect together into different shapes.
Conventional computers must be fully assembled before they can run any computations. Inspired by biological systems – which must operate while they are still building themselves – Constantine Evans at Maynooth University in Ireland and his colleagues wanted to see whether a computer that starts as many disconnected components can…