DEC 22, 2017

DNA as the Data Storage Solution of the Future

WRITTEN BY: Carmen Leitch

There are disasters that even the best backups won't survive; all of our current technology has limitations. But what about using organic material to inspire the next phase of data storage? Our genome contains all the information that is needed to build a human being, using only four basic building blocks. That code could easily be adapted for other uses.

Scientists have already used the four genetic bases as a repository of information. As an initial proof-of-concept, researchers successfully sent themselves a message on a short strand of DNA. Since then, other laboratories took it much further; investigators were even able to encrypt a video into DNA. Could all of the information available on the internet be stored in genetic material? The video suggests that the answer is yes, and it would only require a physical space that is the size of a shoebox! Check out the video to learn more.