Now Your DNA Can Be Used For Machine Parts
Annalee Newitz, io9.com: We’re closer than ever to turning our bodies into computers. A study published this week in Science demonstrates how to turn DNA into a simple counter. That means your DNA could eventually be reprogrammed with a shut down command.
One of the many features of DNA is that it responds to signals over time. It interacts with molecules and enzymes in the cell which often tell it to do something later, after it has received several other chemical signals — or to react instantly when in the presence of certain proteins. The fact that DNA responds predictably to certain signals means that it could be turned into a counter that measures time via regularly delivered molecular signals. So if you built a biological machine that needed to count particulate matter in the air, DNA would be the perfect mechanism to use.
Just a re-engineer it to emit a particular protein after it had encountered, say, 10 particles of a toxin — then create a device that rings a bell when it sees the protein. Poof — you’ve got a biological machine that rings a bell when dangerous toxins are in the air.
