New Atlas

Science Audio available

CRISPR used to build dual-core computers inside human cells

Michael Irving April 17, 2019

The CRISPR gene-editing system is usually known for helping scientists treat genetic diseases, but the technology has a whole range of possible uses in synthetic biology too. Now researchers at ETH Zurich have used CRISPR to build functional biocomputers inside human cells.

CRISPR has been used to insert biological computer processors into human cells

Home Entertainment

Jigabyte brings online entertainment to the coffee table

Paul Ridden December 13, 2018

Touch-enabled coffee tables have been around for a while that family and friends can gather around, but they can be rather expensive. British startup Jigabyte has joined the touchscreen coffee table party and aims to significantly reduce the cost of entry.

With the Jigabyte coffee table, you can enjoy a snack or brew while watching online videos

Computers

Most requested "missing" Pi goes on sale

Paul Ridden November 15, 2018

The Raspberry Pi Foundation says that a version 3 upgrade to its A+ cut-down computer board first introduced in 2014 has been one of its most frequent requests from makers. With the Pi 3 Model B+ now shipping, the Foundation has filled that gap with the all-new Pi 3 Model A+.

The Pi 3A+ has the same processor, dual-band Wi-Fi and improved thermals as the bigger Pi ...

Electronics

"World's smallest computer" is a sensor smaller than a grain of sand

Michael Irving June 24, 2018

"World’s smallest computer” is a contentious title, not just because scientists are racing to shrink devices, but because the very definition of a computer could be up for debate. The latest claim to the title is a tiny device that communicates through light and makes a grain of rice look gigantic.

Computers

Researchers hack computer using malware encoded in synthetic DNA

Rich Haridy August 10, 2017

In what they're calling the first evidence of a DNA-based exploit of a computer system, a team of scientists have successfully shown that a computer can be hacked through malicious code incorporated into synthetic DNA.

UW researchers have demonstrated for the first time that it is possible to remotely compromise a ...

Computers

Motorized standing desk has room inside for two computers

Paul Ridden August 1, 2017

Over the years, we've seen standing desks in cardboard, mini units which are plonked atop a normal desk and motor-assisted designs that go up or down at the push of a button. The DK-05 from Lian Li falls into the latter category, but the chassis also doubles as a case for up two computer.

Computers

Is the "NotPetya" ransomware a Russian cyberattack in disguise?

Rich Haridy June 28, 2017

As Tuesday’s ransomware attack continues to spread, several security analysts are saying that this virus may not be ransomware after all, but is actually a cyberattack in disguise.

The recent large-scale malware attack may not have been ransomware after all, but actually a cyberattack ...

Computers

Ransomware outbreak worse than WannaCry is affecting computers worldwide

Rich Haridy June 27, 2017

A new ransomware outbreak is causing mayhem around the world, compromising banks, airports, energy suppliers, and even shutting down automated radiation sensors at Chernobyl. Initial reports claim this new virus is more sophisticated and potentially harder to stop that the recent WannaCry virus.

A new ransomware outbreak is causing mayhem around the world just weeks after the WannaCry outbreak

Space

Apollo Guidance Computer sale highlights contrasting views of historical significance

Mike Hanlon May 22, 2017

The prices fetched at auction are a useful guide to the perceived societal value of significant historical objects, and the sale of an Apollo Guidance Computer DSKY (DiSplay&KeYboard) for $93,750 this week could not be more illustrative of contrasting views.

The Apollo Guidance Computer Display and Keyboard (DSKY) sold for $93,750

Computers

World's oldest computer music recording restored

David Szondy September 26, 2016

The world's oldest known recording of computer-generated music has been restored to its former glory by a team from the British Library. Taken from an acetate cut recording made by the BBC in 1951, the songs were generated by the Ferranti Mark I computer.

Turing (right) at the console of the Ferranti Mark I