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Scientists from the University of Aberdeen’s Marine Biodiscovery Centre and the University of St Andrews today presented their work on the components of a new type of computer chip created using molecules from a sea squirt sourced from the bottom of the Great Barrier Reef, at the British Science Festival 2012.

Their research – which is the first of its kind in the world - could lead to the development of a computer which is greener to produce, processes information faster and is more compact in size.

Professor Marcel Jaspars, Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Aberdeen and Director of the institution’s Marine Biodiscovery Centre said:  “Computer chips are currently made of a series of transistors made of silicon. Though made from a natural resource – sand – a vast number of silicon atoms are required to make one single transistor and in addition a lot of energy is used in the development of this type of transistor.

“This project is looking at a greener, more sustainable alternative - making transistors from single molecules sourced from nature. It is a global first – we are the only group of scientists to be working towards making this potential breakthrough in computing technology using sponges from the deep. Specifically focus is on the molecule patellamide, originally discovered from the seasquirt Lissoclinum patella found in the Great Barrier Reef.”

Scientists working on the project have achieved a process for redesigning and producing these molecules to be used as computer components. Their production uses clean and green biological processes.

Professor Jaspars continued: “Developing a computer chip from single molecules sourced from nature has a number of benefits. It is greener to produce as we can essentially ‘grow’ the parts required for the new ‘patellamide’ computer chip in a test tube meaning it would be significantly more environmentally-friendly than creating silicon computer parts.

“It would result in a smaller, more compact computer as the computer chip would have an array of single patellamide molecules meaning overall the computer chip would be more compact.

“The result would be a faster computer as using smaller components means that they are closer together within the computer chip meaning they transfer information between one another at a far faster pace – essentially meaning the computer will operate more quickly.”

This project is an example of the pioneering research being conducted within the University’s Marine Biodiscovery Centre which is harnessing the potential of unique marine organisms from the depths of the world’s oceans. Scientists from the Centre are also exploring the potential of natural resources from our seas to create new pharmaceuticals for the treatment of diseases such as cancer.

Professor Jaspars said: “Nature is the source of a number of beautifully engineered and efficient molecular machines which are being tapped for their potential use in molecular nanotechnology. This project is just one strong example of the exploration of this potential and the benefits it could have.”

The project is funded by a grant from the Leverhulme Trust.

Notes to Editors

Professor Marcel Jaspars is taking part in a press conference at the British Science Festival on Friday September 7 at 11.45am. He is available for interview to journalists not attending the Festival. To arrange contact Jennifer Phillips / Kelly Potts on 01224 273174 / 272960.

1.      About the British Science Festival

The British Science Festival is one of Europe’s largest science festivals and regularly attracts over 350 of the UK’s top scientists and speakers to discuss the latest developments in science with the public. Over 50,000 visitors regularly attend the talks, discussions and workshops. The Festival takes place at a different location each year and was last held in Aberdeen in 1963. The 2012 Festival will take place from 4 - 9 September hosted by the University of Aberdeen The 2012 British Science Festival in Aberdeen is organised by the British Science Association, the University of Aberdeen and TechFest-SetPoint .

For further information, visit www.britishscienceassociation.org/festival.

The principal sponsors of the British Science Festival are BP and Shell U.K. Limited.

2.    The University of Aberdeen

Founded in 1495, the University of Aberdeen is the fifth oldest university in the UK, with a student population of around 16,000, and a large international community of students drawn from 120 different countries. The institution has an excellent reputation for teaching quality and research, and five Nobel Laureates are associated with the University.

3.     About the British Science Association

The British Science Association is the UK's nationwide, open membership organisation which provides opportunities for people of all ages to learn about, discuss and challenge the sciences and their implications. Established in 1831, the British Science Association organises major initiatives across the UK, including National Science &

Engineering Week, the annual British Science Festival, programmes of regional and local events, and an extensive programme for young people in schools and colleges.

The Association also organises specific activities for the science communication community in the UK through its Science in Society programme. For more information, please visit http://www.britishscienceassociation.org/.

Issued by the Communications Team, Office of External Affairs, University of Aberdeen, King's College, Aberdeen. Tel: (01224) 272014.

Issued on: 07 September 2012

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Contact: Jennifer Phillips