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Perspectives on molecular computing

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Abstract

In 1996, we began a research project on molecular computers under the new program “Research for the Future” funded by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science. In this paper, we first summarize the research that has been completed in the field of DNA computing and the research problems that must be overcome. We also report some achievements of our research project in the first two years. We then propose a new direction in research towardsautonomous molecular computers, and describe the author’s work on the implementation of state machines using DNA molecules. We finally discuss the future perspectives on molecular computing based on our experiences.

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Masami Hagiya, Ph.D.: He received M.Sc. from University of Tokyo in 1982, and D.Sc. from Kyoto University in 1988. After the years in Research Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Kyoto University, he returned to University of Tokyo in 1992. He has been working on programming languages, verification and synthesis of programs, and automated deduction. In addition, he is interested in bio-computing since he was involved in the human genome project of Japan. He is currently organizing a project on molecular computing under the “Research for the Future” program of JSPS.

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Hagiya, M. Perspectives on molecular computing. New Gener Comput 17, 131–151 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03037433

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