The machine let the E. coli multiply, mixed them with the DNA strands, and applied an electric shock to open up the bacterial cells and let the DNA get inside.

FORBES: Putting Evolution to Work

To do this, Voigt works hard to understand what "commands" are programmed on the DNA of simple organisms like the E. coli bacteria.

FORBES: Reprogramming Life

The E. coli computer differs from a regular computer in that it turn each piece of DNA into a simulated pancake, with sections of DNA being flipped to hide from a killer antibiotic if they get the answer right, and killed if they get the answer wrong.

ENGADGET: Bacteria computer is good at math, even those pesky story problems