Artificial neural networks are mathematical models for computers, inspired by the human brain.
Despite being much simplified compared to their biological counterparts, neural networks function like networks of neurons and are capable of processing complex information.
A team of scientists at the California Institute of Technology have created a DNA-based neural network capable of performing pattern recognition.
The researchers showed that bio-engineered DNA strands can be used to process data by exploiting them to chemical reactions.
To do this, they made a molecular smart soup, and poured it into a test tube. The researchers then taught it how to recognize distinct patterns.
In the team's white paper:
After the DNA strands are mixed together in a test tube, the soup fluoresces in different color arrangements that indicate which pattern it's reading.
The goal of this research, is to program intelligent behavior with neural networks made out from strands of DNA.
"In this work, we have designed and created biochemical circuits that function like a small network of neurons to classify molecular information substantially more complex than previously possible," said Lulu Qian, assistant professor at California Institute of Technology.
Further research is to plan the development of neural networks that can learn, form "memories" from examples added to the test tube. This way, the same soup can be trained to perform different task, said Qian.
Eventually, such neural network could also be developed to add AI at the molecular level.
Previously, scientists were able to 'upload' an animated GIF into a living bacteria.
