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Biological computing. Conceptual computer artwork of a DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) molecule with binary code, representing biological computing, or biocomputing. Biocomputing aims to create cellular organisms that are genetically programmed to perform tasks, including adding numbers, storing results, and running clocks. In the future, a colony of cells may be programmed to detect a change in its environment and to act accordingly. For example, it could detect a toxin in the blood of a human host and automatically produce and release the antidote. The cells could also be combined with computer chips and used externally as sensors. DNA encodes genetic information. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/PASIEKA)