Researchers Create Innovative Method for Storing Data in Human DNAA group of scientists has taken an important step in the search for more efficient data storage alternatives by developing a technique that uses human DNA as a kind of natural “hard drive.” Published in the prestigious journal Nature, the study proposes a revolutionary approach, allowing information to be encoded in genetic material without the need to synthesize new DNA sequences.
How DNA Storage Works
The method uses methylation marks, tiny chemical modifications to DNA, to represent binary data bits—the “0s” and “1s” that make up digital systems. These marks, called “epi-bits,” allow information to be written directly onto existing DNA strands.
Furthermore, the system is capable of recording data in parallel, making it faster and more scalable than previous approaches that relied on creating new DNA sequences. This advancement could represent a paradigm shift in the way we store large volumes of data.
Promising Test Results
In the tests carried out, the researchers managed to store approximately 275 thousand bits of information, the equivalent of small amounts of text or compressed images. The most impressive thing was the accuracy of the method: the error rate was less than 3%, indicating real viability for future applications.
Despite this, challenges still remain, such as data recovery speed, which needs to be improved to compete with conventional storage devices such as hard drives and flash memories.
Why is DNA as Storage Important?
DNA is known for its incredible storage density. One gram of DNA can potentially store over 200 petabytes (equivalent to 200 million gigabytes). This means that with the right technology, it would be possible to store all of human knowledge in a small volume of biological material.
Furthermore, DNA is extremely durable and can preserve information for thousands of years, as long as it is kept in suitable conditions.
Challenges and Future Perspectives
Although the research shows promising results, there are still significant obstacles before the technology becomes practical. One of the main challenges is the speed of data recording and reading, which is currently slower than traditional digital methods.
Still, scientists believe the breakthrough could lead to hybrid solutions, where DNA is used to store long-term data while conventional technologies handle information for immediate use.
This breakthrough is a milestone at the intersection of biology and technology, and could pave the way for a new era in computing, where human DNA plays a key role as a repository of digital information.
