Hebrew University Study: Human Cells Compute Like Chips

Researchers at Hebrew University have engineered human cells capable of processing multiple biological signals simultaneously. This achievement was detailed in a study published in Nature Communications in June 2026 by PhD student Keren Roas and Dr Lior Nissim, describing an artificial genetic system that allows cells to follow layered instructions without the usual drop-off in reliability associated with complex genetic circuits.

Conventional genetic circuits function like skyscrapers: each additional instruction requires more computational layers, leading to rapid deterioration of system performance. Hebrew University researchers overcame this issue by using RNA trans-splicing, a physiological mechanism for connecting two different genetic signals into one within live cells. This innovative approach enabled the creation of molecular devices that operate similarly to biological computers but with fewer genetic components.

To demonstrate their concept, the team built several functional circuits: a three-input logic gate, a half adder, a full adder capable of simple binary operations akin to computer processors, and a 3-to-1 multiplexer for selecting one signal from multiple options. A unique “Selector Overload Status” feature was also incorporated as an alert triggered by any problems with the circuitry configuration.

Scientists used fluorescent proteins that light up in different colors to observe how signals traveled through each genetically modified cell in real-time. As a proof-of-concept, interleukin-15, a protein from the immune system that enhances the activity of cancer-fighting cells, was created within these cells. The lower computational load allows for complex programs to be executed with fewer computations while maintaining precision.