Researchersrecently deviseda method to expand DNA’s data storage by artificially extending the DNA alphabet.
It’s part of a broad effort to use DNA to hold computer information.
“If you only had four letters to use, you could only create so many words.
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If you had the full alphabet, you could produce limitless word combinations.
That’s the same with DNA.
One point in DNA’s favor as a storage medium is its durability.
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“Think 1000s of yearsremember the ancient DNA that’s been found,” Ceze said.
DNA will never become obsolete.
Scientists can sequence fossilized strands to uncover genetic histories and breathe life into long-lost landscapes.
Storing All Our Stuff
DNA could be the perfect place to keep humanity’s burgeoning data.
The practice of storing your info on DNA is getting closer to reality.
“For storage of small valuable data, DNA is viable todaythink 100s of MBs,” Ceze said.
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Fifteen tech companies and institutions last yearformed an allianceto advance DNA data storage.
“There is a natural ‘air gap,’ which is desirable for security.
[But] these are very desirable properties for long-term storage.”
