The technology comes from Lund University in Sweden. Here a biological computing process has led to a computer capable of extremely fast calculations and in a manner that is far more energy efficient than is possible with conventional electrical computers. The reason for the development is based on a simple premise in calculus: the more arithmetic operations a problem requires, the longer it takes to perform the calculations. This is compounded with combinatorial mathematical problems. An example in terms of digital data security is with cryptography.
To overcome these challenges the researchers have developed a parallel computer that utilizes
molecular motors. Parallel computing refers to computation whereby multiple are carried out simultaneously. The approach takes large problems and divides them into smaller ones, which can then be solved simultaneously. Different types of parallel computing include bit-level, instruction-level, data, and task parallelism.
An example of business use with parallel computing is with the need to perform multiple tasks in parallel, such as with stock control. For example, first in/first out transactions (which are very commonly used) need be performed in an exact, ordered sequence. Microsoft, for example, develops parallel computing solutions for businesses.
The biological aspect comes with the molecular motors. This refers to large molecules that perform mechanical tasks in living cells. For example, myosin, which is found in our muscle cells. When removed from a cell myosin can be used to move protein filaments (composed of actin) across artificial paths which function to direct the movement of the protein filaments.
Describing the process in a research note, lead technologist Dr. Heiner Linke said: “In simple terms, it involves the building of a labyrinth of nano-based channels that have specific traffic regulations for protein filaments. The solution in the labyrinth corresponds to the answer of a mathematical question, and many molecules can find their way through the labyrinth at the same time.”
Biological computers work much like quantum computers. Whereas quantum computers use qubits, so-called biocomputers use molecules working in a similar way in parallel. Not only is the process fast, molecular motors are very energy efficient. Of interest to business, the biocomputer concept is likely to be commercialized sooner than quantum computing is.
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The research has been published in journal of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The research is titled “Parallel computation with molecular-motor-propelled agents in nanofabricated networks.”
