The concept of a cellular automaton derives from John von Neumann’s studies of the logic of life. In these studies, von Neumann focused on self-replicating structures with universal computational capabilities. Given the appropriate initial conditions, a universal computer can perform any finite computation, reproducing even the most complex biological behaviors. It is well known that the ECAs described in (Wolfram, 2002) and the Game of Life (Gardner, 1970; Evans, 2003; Adachi et al., 2008) have universal computational capabilities. It has been shown, furthermore, that certain one-dimensional CAs can generate structures that are equivalent to the components of an idealized digital computer, and that, by connecting these components in different ways, it is possible to implement any kind of algorithm. In brief, these CAs are equivalent to the better known - and simpler - Turing machine and share its ability to perform universal computation (Smith 1971).
Turing Machine Universality of the Game of Life