The Singularity is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology

by Ray Kurzweil

The ultimate self-replicating molecule from biology is, of course, DNA. Duke University researchers created molecular building blocks called “tiles” out of self-assembling DNA molecules.24 They were able to control the structure of the resulting assembly, creating “nanogrids.” This technique automatically attaches protein molecules to each nanogrid’s cell, which could be used to perform computing operations. They also demonstrated a chemical process that coated the DNA nanoribbons with silver to create nanowires. Commenting on the article in the September 26, 2003, issue of the journal Science, lead researcher Hao Yan said, “To use DNA self-assembly to template protein molecules or other molecules has been sought for years, and this is the first time it has been demonstrated so clearly.”25 Computing with DNA. DNA is nature’s own nanoengineered computer, and its ability to store information and conduct logical manipulations at the molecular level has already been exploited in specialized “DNA computers.” A DNA computer is essentially a test tube filled with water containing trillions of DNA molecules, with each molecule acting as a computer.