Self-assembling DNA computer can sort simple images into categories

It is possible to classify images simply by analysing the way that trillions of DNA molecules in a test tube connect together into different shapes.

Conventional computers must be fully assembled before they can run any computations. Inspired by biological systems – which must operate while they are still building themselves – Constantine Evans at Maynooth University in Ireland and his colleagues wanted to see whether a computer that starts as many disconnected components can…