This paper provides an overview of research developments toward nanometer-scale electronic switching devices for use in building ultra-densely integrated electronic computers. Specifically, two classes of alternatives to the field-effect transistor are considered: 1) quantum-effect and single-electron solid-state devices and 2) molecular electronic devices. A taxonomy of devices in each class is provided, operational principles are described and compared for the various types of devices, and the literature about each is surveyed. This information is presented in nonmathematical terms intended for a general, technically interested readership

Abstract. The second part of this survey examines biocomputing in intact multicellular organisms. The parallelism between creative problem solving and evolution is emphasized: both processes invoke heuristic searching and feature modularity prominently. Simonton’s chance-configuration theory of creative problem solving is recast in terms of pattern recognition and analyzed in terms of parallel and sequential processing. An attempt is made to demystify the creative process that is commonly thought to be the monopoly of geniuses. It is shown that the procedures utilized in high creativity and in everyday ingenuity are fundamentally the same, but geniuses push the creative process to the extreme. A re-interpretation of Freud’s concept of the unconscious in terms of selective attention is invoked to dispel the mystery surrounding the introspective account of Henri Poincaré on mathematical creation. Among the many attributes of consciousness, the elusive free will problem is singled out for analysis in terms of biological control laws. While free will is a philosophical problem, the conflict of free will and determinism can be treated as

Abstract. The sophisticated tools and techniques employed by Nature for purposeful storage of information stand in stark contrast to the primitive and relatively inefficient means used by man. We describe some impressive features of biological data storage, and speculate on approaches to research and development that could benefit the storage industry in the coming decades. Introduction. The storage of information is ubiquitous in our technological society: paper, film, semiconductor memories, audio/video-tapes, magnetic/optical disks, etc., collectively contain many petabytes of information. In contrast, Nature has been frugal in its use of information storage techniques. Blueprints of life, both of plant and of animal, are stored in the DNA molecules. 1-3 Pre-programmed (i.e., instinctive) as well as learned information reside in the