# DNA computer performs calculations without continuous power

_Published Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 1:06 AM EDT · Science · Latest · Tier 2 — Notable_

![Graphic of a dna molecule — Primary](https://assets.newatlas.com/dims4/default/4ecc43a/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2000x1050+0+100/resize/1200x630!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewatlas-brightspot.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com%2F28%2F09%2F4a64b91e446196a751bac8069367%2Fdna-model-computer.jpg&na.image_optimisation=0)

Researchers at Maynooth University demonstrated a DNA computer that completes calculations without a continuous electricity supply, New Atlas reported. Short DNA segments combine with a larger DNA scaffold in warm saline solution. As the mixture cools, the molecules settle into a structure that represents the answer.

The team tested several programs, including calculations up to 100 bits in size. Adding three and 10 took around 30 seconds. A researcher described the system as faster than other DNA computers, but said it is slower than silicon computing and is not intended to match its speed.

## Sources

- [New Atlas: Technology-Innovation-Outdoor News](https://newatlas.com/technology/dna-computer-calculations-without-power/)

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Canonical: https://techandbusiness.org/newswire/gQv4SAmL1JLTpVkGinm2wt
Published: 2026-09-23T05:06:02.405Z
Story chronology: 2026-09-23T04:02:01.000Z
Retrieved: 2026-09-23T06:27:17.608Z
Publisher: Tech & Business (techandbusiness.org)