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Biomolecular Computer Can Autonomously Sense Multiple Signs of Disease


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Weizmann Institute of Science researchers have developed a biomolecular computer that can autonomously sense several different types of molecules at once, and could be integrated with a biomedical database of diseases to all systems to determine which drugs to give to a patient.

"These devices would have the ability to sense disease indicators, diagnose the disease, and treat it by administering or activating a therapeutic biomolecule," says Weizmann researcher Binyamin Gil.

The system is based on the researchers' previous demonstration of a biomolecular computer that consists of a binary system made of biological components. The new system can detect disease indicators from miRNAs, proteins, and small molecules such as ATP. The researchers say that the computer's detection method is simpler than before, requiring fewer components and less interactions with the disease indicators. "The biggest challenge is operating such devices in living surroundings like the blood stream or cell's cytoplasm," Gil says.

From PhysOrg.com
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Abstracts Copyright © 2011 Information Inc. External Link, Bethesda, Maryland, USA 

 


 

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