ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Biological computation

Biological computation refers to using living things, such as bacteria or cells, to perform calculations or process information. It's like using tiny living computers to solve problems or carry out specific tasks.

Imagine you want to create a very specific protein, such as insulin, which is used to regulate blood sugar levels in humans. Instead of using traditional chemistry methods, scientists can use biological computation to program bacteria or other living cells to produce the protein for them.

This is possible because living things have their own genetic machinery that can be manipulated and programmed to perform specific tasks. Scientists can use techniques like genetic engineering to tweak the DNA of these organisms, changing their behavior or abilities in useful ways.

Overall, biological computation is a fascinating field of study that harnesses the power of living systems to solve complex problems in ways that traditional computing methods cannot.