Deep convolutional and fully-connected DNA neural networks

DNA molecules can be used to build "neural networks" that function like the brain, enabling them to perform complex computational tasks. However, a fundamental limitation of existing DNA networks is that their most basic computing units cannot perform true continuous and precise analog calculations, which restricts their ability to process complex information effectively. To address this, here we develop a DNA computing unit called CALCUL. This system successfully achieves fully analog computation, where all inputs, weighting parameters, and outputs are continuous and precise values. It performs the core operations of a neural network rapidly with high accuracy and is reusable. By integrating magnetic bead technology, we also enable modular operations and the construction of multilayer networks. Ultimately, we use this technology to construct a deep DNA neural network that correctly identifies complex color images with 100% accuracy. These developments provide a robust foundation for building more powerful and precise molecular computers.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Nature Communications
Published
2025-11-27
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-65618-x
Citations
1
Primary Topic
DNA and Biological Computing
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.81

Funders

Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Deep convolutional and fully-connected DNA neural networks

Xiaoding Lou, Xianjin Xiao, Kaixiong Tao, Ziyang Zheng et al.
1 citations
Nature Communications
DNA and Biological Computing
0.81
article

Deep convolutional and fully-connected DNA neural networks

Xiaoding Lou, Xianjin Xiao, Kaixiong Tao, Ziyang Zheng, Fan Xia, Pei Liu, Hao Hu, Xiao Liu, Longjie Li, Jun Yan Dai, Zheng Yang
article en
1 citations

Abstract

DNA molecules can be used to build "neural networks" that function like the brain, enabling them to perform complex computational tasks. However, a fundamental limitation of existing DNA networks is that their most basic computing units cannot perform true continuous and precise analog calculations, which restricts their ability to process complex information effectively. To address this, here we develop a DNA computing unit called CALCUL. This system successfully achieves fully analog computation, where all inputs, weighting parameters, and outputs are continuous and precise values. It performs the core operations of a neural network rapidly with high accuracy and is reusable. By integrating magnetic bead technology, we also enable modular operations and the construction of multilayer networks. Ultimately, we use this technology to construct a deep DNA neural network that correctly identifies complex color images with 100% accuracy. These developments provide a robust foundation for building more powerful and precise molecular computers.

Nature CommunicationsVol. 16(1)
Union Hospital (HK), Wuhan Polytechnic University (CN), China University of Geosciences (CN), Tongji Hospital (CN), Huazhong University of Science and Technology (CN)
National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Key Research and Development Program of China
Openalex Percentile: Top 21%
DNA and Biological Computing
0.81
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.