Is the writing on the wall for silicon?
[link|http://www.cnn.com/2001/TECH/ptech/07/18/molecular.computing.ap/index.html|HP focuses on molecular computers]

SAN JOSE, California (AP) -- Researchers at Hewlett-Packard Co. have patented a potential breakthrough in their quest to develop computer circuits made of individual molecules.

Hewlett-Packard hopes to refine the process to create microchips as powerful as the next generation of silicon-based chips -- but 1,000 times smaller and less expensive.

That advance and others in the burgeoning field of nanotechnology could make computers small enough to be worn, embedded in materials or even injected into the bloodstream to serve as diagnostic sensors.

Computers are run by silicon chips crammed with millions of transistors that turn on and off extremely quickly. Because of the physical limitations of silicon, there is only so much room to add transistors, so there is believed to be a limit to how much silicon chips can be improved.

Scientists at Hewlett-Packard and other labs have proved that parts of some molecules can be made to swing open or shut, making the molecules themselves switches.