Researchers have just developed a DNA-based data storage system that can rewrite data and perform basic calculations. The system will be much more compact than an electronic hard drive, and will allow data to be preserved for thousands of years.
In addition to classical and quantum computing, another avenue of research is molecular computing. The latter comes in various forms, including the computer DNADNA which has just seen new progress thanks to researchers from Carolina State University Northern United States.
In an article published in the magazine Nanotechnology NatureResearchers present a system that allows information to be stored and processed using DNA. It is based on PolymersPolymers It contains structures called dendritic colloids, which start at the microscopic level and branch out to form a network of nanofibers. This creates a large surface area on which DNA can be deposited. The system is very compact and will allow for storage of ” Data from thousands of laptops stored in DNA the size of an eraser on the tip of a pencil “According to Albert Keung, one of the authors of the article.
Data preserved for thousands of years
The researchers were then able to read the data stored in the DNA without damaging it using SequenceSequence By nanopores. We can also erase and rewrite targeted parts of DNA on the same surface, just like erasing and rewriting information stored on a hard drive. This essentially allows us to realize the full range of data storage and computing functions using DNA. Kevin said FlaxFlaxanother of the authors of the article.
Researchers compare this system to microcircuits and show that it can also perform computational functions using them. EnzymesEnzymesIt is particularly capable of solving basic chess and Sudoku problems. Furthermore, this materialmaterial It helps preserve DNA. According to researchers, it will allow data to be preserved for several thousand years.
