Enzyme computers could live inside us, dispense drugs
By Evan Blass 
posted Feb 24th 2006 11:30AM
posted Feb 24th 2006 11:30AM
Israeli researchers have
just announced the successful completion of a molecular computer, which uses enzymatic chemical reactions to perform
the necessary logic computations. Itamar Willner and his team at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem built the computer
using glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enzymes, with hydrogen peroxide and glucose
molecules representing input values. The presence or absence of these two chemicals correspond to binary 1s and 0s,
allowing the computer to perform AND and XOR operations which are determined optically by a camera. Although enzyme
computers will always be inherently slower than parallel processing DNA computers, Willner envisions his invention
being used one day to precisely calculate and distribute doses of medicine from inside a patient's body.[Via TG Daily]
Theres so many jokes to go with this story, but I´ll go with "Hope it gives me the 'blue screen of death'!"
India's President, A P J Abdul Kalam (a rocket scientist himself), predicted something like this a few months ago:
"...Nano-robots will carry diagnostic probe and treatment solutions. Finally, the robots will get digested in the human system after curing the disease."
http://www.newkerala.com/news.php?action=fullnews&id=69339
So...that puddle of goop on the floor that has been growing for the last 2 weeks could be a computer? maybe even sentient? The possibilities are endless...
doc "here drink this"
you "wassat?"
doc "a computer"
you "wtf?"
doc "NOW! you will be assimilated. Resistance is futile..."
I'm not sure whether to ask this new molecular computer for the location of closest deli, or the closest sushi bar.
meh, a computer isn't a computer if you can't use it to look at porn.
"Intestinal computer self destruct in 10, 9, 8, 7..."
"meh, a computer isn't a computer if you can't use it to look at porn."
I think you mean "pron" sir.
It's all good until the enzyme computers start countering the effects you want in your brain but big brother doesn't. The ultimate buzzkill.
LOL can we reprogram it to dispense a constant dose of heroin?
it'll give us computer-geeks an advantage in drug dealing. "i hacked this oxycontin to release the drug 2x as fast for you"
can it run doom?
"horseradish peroxidase (HRP)" from "Hebrew University of Jerusalem" oh man thats awesome! i cant beleive they used horseradish this belongs on saturday night live. I love us jews ...not even getting into all the amazingly cool science
OK, I can see all kinds of possibilities from big brother to life enhancing and life saving applications. If this thing can be rigged to measure glucose and dispense insulin on demand, it would make life a lot nicer for us insulin dependent diabetics.
Also, if it could dispense antipsychotics, it might make the next family reunion more pleasant.
Where's the off switch?