DNA used to build nanoscale assembly line, Arto Lindsay unavailable for comment
By Joseph L. Flatley 
posted May 15th 2010 5:19AM
posted May 15th 2010 5:19AM
This is what they call in the blog biz a "DNA Two-fer." Earlier today we heard about self-assembling DNA circuits, and now what do we have? NYU chemistry professor Nadrian Seeman and his colleagues have developed what they call "DNA robot factories." Featuring a DNA track (like an assembly line), molecular forklifts for delivering parts, and a DNA "walker" that CNET describes as moving "like a car on an assembly line," the invention is currently being used to construct various types of gold nanoparticle chemical species (whatever that means), although it could eventually be used in processors or for building on the cellular level. Hit up the source link to see the Nature article for all the in-depth details of this nanoscale assembly line.
why post this article and not windows phone 7 rom?
@account5
does anything useful come from your comments... EVER?
PS nice find on the video
@dalumberjack
yes
@dalumberjack
look at me, I capitalize a WORD to provide emphasis!
@account5
So... what happens when this new "life" we create decides it no longer needs to take orders from humans?
@McKirf
Damn, its SkyNet All over again.
@account5
I think I speak for everyone when I say fuck OFF.
@account5
Look at you, you're a TROLL (yes, caporal)
All hail...
@iep
In the image of gods we were made and we shall now make gods in our image.
... and as a result, the All Spark was born.
Ha. Engadget said Seeman.
Warning! Consuming any part of this microprocessor may lead to undesired CPU production within your bowel tract. If taken, please see your nearest distributor.
- Intel
YES, the video was completely necessary. Don't question it.
Wow, an old-school no-wave skronk jazz reference! Nice work.
@jeffehobbs I'm impressed; I didn't think anyone here knew who Arto Lindsay was.
The music video is a perfect representation of how I felt when I read the article. Thank you Engadget for understanding my feelings.
I for one welcome our future DNA-based self-assembling robot overlords!
So, Seeman has DNA?
and then there was Seeman ... and DNA of course .
A chemical species is a term used for groups of Molecules, Ions and Atoms that are chemically identical to each other in structure. It provides the ability for each group to interact and work as a whole to achieve a more beneficial outcome than by working seperately.
I've heard of studies where pairs of Molecules that were close in structure but, not actually identical were observed in chemical reactions to search for signs of interaction. They could run the exact reaction at the same exact speed and some times the pairs were detectable as seperate chemical species and other times they bonded and were only detectable as a single chemical species operating with the combined energy level of both Molecules.
These biomolecule processors you guys keep talking about are probably not going to happen. Mainly because of the heating problems associated with computers; at 100 C DNA denatures and the Hydrogen bonds holding the base pairs break (exactly as water boils) and the double helix separates. It would require massive cooling efforts to control temperatures below 85 C to prevent irreparable damage to the circuits laid upon the DNA. The technology for creating long strands of designed DNA is available (PCR Primers, etc), but it really isn't applicable to this situation due to the stresses in a modern computer. Give it about 15-20 years guys.
@Victory It's true that proteins denature at higher temperatures but I doubt the integration of future technology will be as primitive as a circuit overlay. If one is going to base their information component on something as heat-sensitive as DNA, then its modulators and effectors will likely be enzyme-regulated over electrical. Also, cell signaling processes may not be as fast as electrons whizzing around in copper or nanotubes, but neurons accomplish pretty snappy electrical transduction with ion gradients. without tremendous heat.
How long before we realize that WE are the molecular nano machine robot overlords?
If only Michael Crichton would be alive to see his vision come alive!