Scientists store data inside DNA that could last MILLIONS of years

[Dr. Jai Maharaj]

Scientists store data inside DNA that could last MILLIONS
of years

o Potential for DNA to be used for data storage has been
discussed for years

o But retrieving the data encoded in the genes has
previously proved tricky

o Inspired by fossils, researchers from Zurich encased
DNA in a 'fossil shell'

o They subjected these shells - or silica spheres - to
extreme temperatures

o This was carried out to mimic chemical degradation seen
naturally on DNA

o Despite the conditions, the DNA was extracted and
decoded from the silica

o And if preserved in freezing temperatures, the
researchers said the data has the potential to last for
'millions of years' inside DNA

By Victoria Woollaston for MailOnline
Daily Mail Online
Monday, February 16, 2015

Chemists subjected spheres of DNA to extreme temperatures
and found the material - and the data stored on it -
could be successfully decoded

Just one gram of DNA can store the equivalent of 14,000
Blu-ray discs.

But although the potential for DNA as an alternative to
hard drives has been known about for years, it is not the
most reliable and secure way to keep data safe.

The latest breakthrough could be about to change that,
however.

Chemists subjected spheres of DNA to extreme temperatures
designed to mimic chemical degradation and found the
material - and the data stored on it - could be
successfully decoded.

The research was led by Robert Grass from ETH Zurich's
Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences.

Continues at:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2955663/Death-hard-drive-Scientists-store-data-inside-DNA-MILLIONS-years.html#ixzz3RwJZym5Y

Jai Maharaj, Jyotishi
Om Shanti

http://groups.google.com/group/alt.fan.jai-maharaj