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A first area we will look at is “natural computing”, i.e. computing with molecules or

even with whole living organisms. Although this is in principle very unconventional, it

promises to be superior to conventional computers for certain problems, at least in the

future, since many molecules or organisms work on the computational problem in parallel

and thus bring insights to light more quickly than a computer.

Next, we will use the nanocellulose chip developed in our own laboratory (Bencurova

et al., 2022) to show how the next generation of computer chips could also function much

better than at present by using biomolecules, in particular more environmentally friendly,

more durable, faster and with better memory properties.

However, this is at the same time an illustrative example of synthetic biology, so that

we will subsequently give an overview of other approaches from synthetic biology. It is

important to keep in mind that the entire theory of design in synthetic biology is based on

bioinformatics. This is because it is the only way to know which biomolecules should be

assembled in what way, to know their properties and also to be able to use simulations,

database searches and calculations to estimate which properties come into play in the

technical problem so that a technically satisfactory and correct solution can also be

achieved.

13.4

New Levels of Communication Through Technology

We have special features due to human civilization. In particular, humans develop

devices for tool making, for example. We have culture and lore, mirror neurons and

imitative instinct. Humans describe an emergent loop in that new inventions and forms

of expression (“languages”) lead to ever new inventions and forms of expression. Money

and the general possibility of exchanging any commodity for another also accelerate

innovation, creativity, and development (money as a “desire machine”; Ridley 2010). In

this sense, steps in which a new transmission of information is achieved are always

important for the advancement and continuation of our civilization (see box). The devel­

opment of everyday human language into high-level, technical and scientific language,

for example, is exciting.

However, new levels of data storage followed, first through writing (handwriting),

then through letterpress, newspaper and typewriter. Finally, however, through electrical

current, such as Morse code, telephone and telefax. Then, after the Second World War,

transistors, integrated chips and finally the modern computer were added via elec­

tron tubes.

13  Life Invents Ever New Levels of Language