Natural Computing

DNA, Quantum Bits and the Future of Smart Machines

This eclectic book profiles the work of 15 computer researchers. All are involved in broadly non-traditional computer technologies: DNA computers, self-healing circuits, genetic algorithms and quantum computers. Calling quantum computers ‘natural’, is a bit of a stretch though and the lack of a genuine unifying thread makes this book easier to dip into than read straight through.

A bigger weakness is that the mix of biographical and scientific information ultimately lacks enough detail to satisfy on either count. But as a whistle-stop tour it works quite well

Luis Villazon is a Focus Q&A expert