OLYMPUS TECHNOZONE Vol.54 2002-08
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DNA computer concept attracting keen interest -
A blue-chip player in the medical business of the future
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A
Prototype DNA Computer for Use in Genetic Analysis
The
interior of the molecular computation unit.All processes from the
insertion of specimens to the completion of quantitative reactions
are fully automated.
(Click on image to expand it) |
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Are many other researchers and groups planning
similar work in the field of DNA computers?
Almost none at present. However, the recent
announcement of the DNA computer has sparked interest, and the
situation may change. The DNA computer hasn't attracted much attention
until recently. It is often compared to the quantum computer. Many
researchers are conducting research with huge investment. I hope
that this achievement of ours will attract more researchers and
research funds to the DNA computer field.
One of the businesses that NovusGene plans
to establish is a genetic analysis service based on the DNA computer.
Its primary goal was to develop practical applications for biological
molecular computers. As you say, we need to focus on the fusion
of technologies.
Actually, the evolution of electronic computing technology has stood still for
about 20 years. DNA computing is still under development and we are at a primitive
stage. If more researchers turn their attention to DNA computers, new concepts
may emerge. It would be a shame if only hardware were developed and DNA computers
were simply seen as useful for DNA analysis. Having come this far, I believe
that we should look toward broader horizons.
Basic research at that fundamental level is
not the role of a venture business. It should be the subject of
scientific research in universities. No technology has yet been
established for DNA computing. There is a lot to be done in the
future.
We have been researching not only scientific
papers but intellectual properties since last spring. The number
of patent applications has increased considerably during that time,
and there's also been a dramatic increase in the number of researchers.
Competition will intensify. We're worried!
[Laughs]
You spoke earlier about the development of silicon technology and micro-machine
technology. While the ability of researchers and developers is crucial, development
today also can be very costly. Companies must decide how much they're willing
to invest in these areas, how bold to be.
DNA computing may make a big difference in the future. Ten or twenty years from
now Olympus could be a computer company. That's quite possible if we find we're
a pioneer in this area.
We could combine DNA computing with our other
business areas, such as the clinical endoscope business. We have
considerable experience in micro-device research. This is a field
in which we can apply Olympus 's strengths to the fullest. |
