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

"The bacteria are winning right now, " adds Paul Miller, who directs antibiotic research at Pfizer (nyse: PFE - news - people ).

FORBES: Germ Warfare

Such drugs have side-effects, however: not only do they lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, but some, such as metronidazole, can be dangerous in their own right.

ECONOMIST: Hook, line and stinker