Years from now, when your state-of-the-art PC is on the fritz,
you might have to call your local molecular biologist for tech
support. If you think that’s a stretch, think again. Scientists
are hard at work, attempting to use DNA as the next processing
power for computers of the future. Sure, computer-chip
manufacturers are burning the midnight oil developing the next
microprocessor to topple current speeds. But if you subscribe to
Moore’s Law — Intel founder Gordon Moore’s assertion that
personal computer speed doubles every year — then
microprocessors made of silicon will eventually reach their
limits in speed and miniaturization. That means producers will
eventually need new materials to power PCs. In addition to DNA,
scientists are also considering “quantum computing” and other
such Star Trek-like solutions. And while DNA is perhaps the last
substance that comes to mind when you think of your desktop or
laptop, it does have the potential to perform calculations
faster than today’s most robust computers wh