IBM using DNA, nanotechnology in next-gen chips

By Sharon Gaudin

August 24, 2009 12:01 AM ET

Comments

(0)

Top Stories

Computerworld - Researchers at IBM are experimenting with a combination of DNA molecules and nanotechnology to create tiny circuits that could form the basis of smaller, more powerful and energy-efficient computer chips that also are easier and cheaper to manufacture.

IBM said last week that it's looking to use the DNA molecules as scaffolding so carbon nanotubes can assemble themselves into precise patterns.

The ability for the DNA structures to self-assemble would lead to greater precision in the design and manufacture of chips, said Greg Wallraff, an IBM Research scientist working on the project. He noted that implementation is still years away.

Dan Olds, an analyst at Gabriel Consulting Group Inc., said that "harnessing biological processes and building blocks" could significantly cut chip-building costs.

This version of this story originally appeared in Computerworld's print edition.

Comment Recommend Digg Twitter ShareThis

Email Print Send Feedback Reprints

Jump to comments

ibm

Additional Resources

Xerox

Win a color printer!

By using solid ink technology only from Xerox, you could save up to 65% by printing color for the cost of black and white. Enter for a chance to WIN a PhaserTM 8860 network color printer!

Microsoft

Upgrade to Internet Explorer 8 today.

Save time and mitigate security risk. Deploy it now.

Sybase

NEXT-GENERATION MOBILITY PLATFORMS

In this white paper, IDC analyzes the role of next-generation mobile enterprise platforms as organizations seek a more strategic deployment of mobile solutions.

Learn the important issues you must consider before starting your next mobility initiative. Get your mobility white paper from IDC now, compliments of Sybase.

	Hardware
	Computerworld Daily News (First Look and Wrap-Up)
	Computerworld Blogs Newsletter
	The Weekly Top 10
	Cloud Computing

resource center

Newsletter Sign-Up

IBM using DNA, nanotechnology in next-gen chips

ibm

Additional Resources

What People Are Saying

White Papers & Webcasts

Computerworld Reports

White Papers

Sponsored Links