The next big thing in computing? Scientists have created a biological supercomputer, which can work at a smaller size, at a faster speed, and without the possibility of overheating.
According to Tech Times, the computer is powered by ATP, adenosine triphosphate, a biochemical that enables internal energy transfer among cells. ATP is considered a “molecular unit of currency,” and these new biological supercomputers use them in lieu of the circuitry on standard microchips.
One of the big advantages to this new computer: it doesn’t overheat as a result of its being powered by biological agents. It simply uses less energy. At the size of a book, it can perform the basic functions of most supercomputers.
When standard supercomputers heat up, they need to be cooled. Some supercomputers perform functions so complex and demanding that they need a dedicated power plant. The biological computer simply does not have this problem because it is small and uses very little energy.
The idea was worked out by McGill University’s computer scientist Dan Nicolau, Sr. who worked n the idea with his son, Dan Jr. They have since developed a team of colleagues from countries all around the world, including the U.S., Germany, Sweden, Norway, and Canada.
According to Nicolau, their study represents the first step towards more advanced biological supercomputers. Now that the model is in place, he says, other groups will be able to take the model and push it further.
“One option for dealing with larger and more complex problems may be to combine our device with a conventional computer to form a hybrid device,” said Nicolau.