Bacterium Outperforms Computer Chips (IMAGE) Vanderbilt University Caption The simple E. coli bacterium shown computes 1,000 times faster than the most powerful computer chip, its memory density is 100 million times higher and it needs only 100 millionth the power to operate. Credit Jenni Ohnstad, Vanderbilt University Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.