Scientists store entire DNA sequence on chip

Recently, scientists in the UK have achieved a remarkable feat by storing the entire human genome – the complete DNA sequence – on a single chip, a five-dimensional memory crystal. The technology, developed at the University of Southampton’s Optoelectronics Research Centre, holds out hope for the future survival of humanity and other species.

The 5D memory crystal, which was recognized by Guinness World Records as the most durable digital storage material in 2014, can store up to 360 terabytes of information for billions of years. In addition, it is able to withstand extreme conditions, such as temperatures of up to 1,000 degrees Celsius, cosmic radiation and direct impact force.

What is 5D crystal memory?

The technology behind the 5D Memory Crystal is revolutionary. Led by Master Peter KazanskyThe team used ultrafast lasers to record human genome data in tiny spaces, just 20 nanometers across. Each nanometer is a billionth of a meter.

This innovative storage is called “5D” Because of the five dimensions used to encode information: height, length, width, direction, and position. This dimensional complexity is what makes the crystal incredibly strong and capable of securely storing large amounts of data for virtually indefinite periods of time.

Data storage

Data is written onto the crystal using ultra-fast laser pulses that create nanometer-scale structures in the glass. These microscopic dots are able to represent the five dimensions mentioned, ensuring that information is encoded and stored in a highly efficient manner.

• to rise: Adjusts the depth of the dots on the crystal.
• length: Indicates the length of the recording areas.
• an offer: Refers to the width of the engraved points.
• guidance: Indicates the slope of each point.
• position: Determines the exact location of points within the crystal.

How will it be used in the future?

The possibility of an eternal repository of genomic information opens several doors for future projects. As Kazansky explained, the crystal could be essential for the recovery of complex organisms, such as plants and animals, if science allows it in the distant future.

However, there are concerns about the possibility of this file being read in the future. Thomas Hennesfrom DNA storage research at Imperial College London, raised a crucial question: “How will future generations know how to read the crystal?” He questions the availability of compatible technologies in the future, highlighting the difficulty of linking old technological devices with the emergence of new generations.

5D memory crystal technology has already been used to preserve valuable historical records. In 2018, Kazansky and his team stored the science fiction trilogy “institution”from Isaac Asimovand launched it into space. In addition, important documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Magna Carta have also been archived using this technology.

The crystal is currently in Human memoryan archive in a salt cave in Austria, enhancing its role as an extraordinary time capsule.