A living programmable biocomputing device based on RNA
kurzweilai.net
kurzweilai.net
"The study’s approach resulted in a genetically encodable RNA nano-device that can perform an unprecedented 12-input logic operation to accurately regulate the expression of a fluorescent reporter protein in E. coli bacteria only when encountering a complex, user-prescribed profile of intra-cellular stimuli. Such programmable nano-devices may allow researchers to construct more sophisticated synthetic biological circuits, enabling them to analyze complex cellular environments efficiently and to respond accurately."
Some earlier work in the area, it's just an AND gate, but it demonstrates an application.
Molecules A and B correlate with a psoriasis flare up, molecule C is a psoriasis medication. If A and B are present, the bacteria produces molecule C.
It's an excellent starting point.
Furthermore, its very cheap to transcribe by cells. Translation is very expensive.
What I'm asking, because of my lack of knowledge on the subject, is this close to how RNA functions naturally or is this more of a brute-force approach?
There is a property of electricity that enables us to path it and observe the results which can be made Turing complete. The RNA computer is similar but utilizing the properties of RNA sequencing or restructuring.
Take the above with a grain of salt because I'm not an expert by any means.
You plug into your USB and launch the RNAduino IDE, import some receptor nucleotide patterns, some expression nucleotide patterns, type in a little glue code, hit "compile", and you're off to the races with something innocuous to turn your pet mouse fluorescent green or a simple virus that can wipe out half the planet.
Exciting and scary times.
Edit: rnaduino.com is still available! Go for it!
I'm talking about making biological modification and hacking as easy as the Arduino has made computer hacking. I'm talking about being able hack biological systems from your desktop by creating cellular machines that could be injected into living beings.
One day, enterprising hackers might use such tools to attempt to cure their own diseases, combat aging, etc. Who knows how people would want to use this kind of technology... add some THC producing RNA to yeast samples and make beer that produces a pot-like high?
Although it's apparently not illegal to grow opium poppies openly as decorative and culinary plants in the US. No, the laws make absolutely no sense.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papaver_somniferum
I wonder if it's possible to get bacteria to produce amphetamines.