DIMACS 1997-1999 Special Focus on DNA Computing: Overview
February 1997 to August 1999
The field of DNA computing is concerned with the possibility of
performing computations using biological molecules. It is also
concerned with understanding how complex biological molecules process
information in an attempt to gain insight into new models of
computation. Cells and nature compute by reading and ``rewriting''
DNA by processes that modify sequence at the DNA or RNA level. DNA
computing is interested in applying computer science methods and
models to understand such biological phenomena and gain insight into
early molecular evolution and the original of biological information
procesing.
DNA computing presents great challenges both to computer science and
molecular biology in such areas as using parallelism, designing new
algorithms, and dealing with errors in molecular processes. The
Special Focus is concerned with all areas that relate to computing
with DNA including (but not limited to): algorithms and applications,
analysis of laboratory techniques, error correction, sequence design
and simulation software, useful DNA chemistry and motifs, computation
by molecules other than DNA, computational processes in vivo, and
fundamental limits to computation. The Focus attempts
to introduce researchers in discrete mathematics and theoretical
computer science to parts of molecular biology relevant to
computation. Molecular Biology is an area that is increasingly
dependent on dm and tcs competencies and a field that has elements of
being fundamentally an ``information science,'' and so it is natural
to explore connections between it and computing. DNA Computing has
attracted interest from researchers from areas such as molecular
biology, genetics, supercomputing, and parallel computing, to
collaborate with scientists working in DIMACS core areas, on new
models of computation, and we seek to enhance these collaborations.
DIMACS has allocated funds for visitors to the center to
collaborate with scientists at DIMACS sites (Princeton, Rutgers,
AT&T Labs - Research, Bell Labs, and Bellcore). Visits can be combined with
workshop participation. Interested scientists are encouraged
to contact Richard Lipton.
Publications:
AMS DIMACS Series in Discrete Mathematics and Theoretical Computer Science
Index of the Special Focus on DNA Computing
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