Focus Article: Molecules that add up

Abstract
As information technology encroaches more and more into our lives, attention is turning to how the revolution started by silicon logic gates can be carried forward. Smaller-scale information processors is one approach to which chemical solutions can be imagined. The first molecular logic gates were built in Belfast a few years back. These artificial systems use chemical inputs and light output, reversing the natural roles existing within the eye. They can now do simple addition.