View source for Parallel computation with molecular-motor-propelled agents in nanofabricated networks

'''Parallel computation with molecular-motor-propelled agents in nanofabricated networks''' is a paper by [[Dan Nicolau Jr.]] ''et. al.'' in the [[Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences]] (PNAS).

== Abstract ==

The [[combinatorial]] nature of many important mathematical problems, including [[NP-completeness]] problems, places a severe limitation on the problem size that can be solved with conventional, sequentially operating [[Digital computer|electronic computers]].

There have been significant efforts in conceiving [[parallel computation]] approaches in the past, for example: 

* DNA computation
* Quantum computation
* Microfluidics-based computation

These approaches have not proven, so far, to be [[Scalability|scalable]] and practical from a fabrication and operational perspective.

Here, we report the foundations of an alternative parallel-computation system in which a given combinatorial problem is encoded into a graphical, modular network that is embedded in a nanofabricated planar device.

Exploring the network in a parallel fashion using a large number of independent, molecular-motor-propelled agents then solves the mathematical problem.

This approach uses orders of magnitude less energy than conventional computers, thus addressing issues related to power consumption and heat dissipation.

We provide a proof-of-concept demonstration of such a device by solving, in a parallel fashion, the small instance {2, 5, 9} of the [[subset sum]] problem, which is a benchmark [[NP-completeness]] problem.

Finally, we discuss the technical advances necessary to make our system [[Scalability|scalable]] with presently available technology.

== See also ==

* [[Computer science]]
* [[NP-completeness]]
* [[Scalability]]

== External links ==

* [http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2016/02/17/1510825113 Parallel computation with molecular-motor-propelled agents in nanofabricated networks] by [[Dan Nicolau Jr.]] ''et. al.''
* [http://news.slashdot.org/story/16/02/28/2111219/biological-supercomputers-powered-by-atp-could-be-a-reality-some-day Biological Supercomputers Powered By ATP Could Be A Reality Some Day (dispatchtribunal.com)] @ SlashDot

[[Category:Computer science]]
[[Category:Computation]]
[[Category:Nanotechnology]]