In keeping with our recent discussions and readings regarding merging two seemingly different technologies, I found information about research that uses yeast to build a biological computer.
Apparently, researchers in Sweden have developed a process in which genetically altered yeast can be used to manufacture anything from "gas to expensive perfumes." The basic idea is that genetically altered yeast cells can be used to create circuits (or as the acrticle says the "building blocks of a computer") including multiplexers. However, it does not work with standard electrical impulses, but rather uses some other type of stimuli such as light.
Kenaruro Furukawa states that the "results show that it is possible to build complex systems of the genetically modified yeast cells." Much of this research was done as a collaboration between Swedish universities and researchers in Spain and Germany. It is interesting to note that one of the issues slowing the research is the general lack of interdisciplinary understanding between engineers and biologists or others with an understanding of how the human body works.
Listed potential uses of this technolgy in the future include "biomaterials, information technology in home care, artificial organs and tissue, sensors and smart clothes."
However, I see this as the next step (bionics being the first) in the realization of what has previously only existed in science fiction, the Cyborg (a part biological, part artifical being).
Warning: the writing in this article is horrendous
Link: http://www.bgdna.com/biotechnology/biological-computer-can-be-built-by-the-yeast.html
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