Light-powered molecular logic goes nonlinear.

A unique way to increase the dimensions of molecular logic schemes is reported in PNAS (1). What is molecular logic? Does it promise the ultimate flexible electronics—a liquid computer? Not exactly, although switchable molecules could be used in logic components, perhaps augmenting traditional electronics (2). The field of molecular logic, however, is much broader than that (3, 4). A good way to appreciate the promise and motivation for molecular logic is to realize how biology uses highly developed chemical switches connected to sophisticated sensors and feedback loops (5).