We have known for quite some time that in Microsoft are more than interested in finding new ways to store digital data, this time and thanks to the collaboration established with the University of Washington, it has been possible to go further and set a new record for digital data storage in DNA. Specifically and according to the results presented, the researchers have achieved encode and decode 200 MB in synthetic gene strands and store them in a test tube.
The image you can see on the screen is precisely the test tube where this treated DNA has been stored. In the same photo there is a pencil with the sole purpose that anyone who sees the photo appreciates the small size of this set of genes. As a detail, tell you that in those 200 MB there is not just any file, but that the researchers have encoded and decoded nothing less than the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in more than 100 languages, the 100 best books from Project Gutenberg, a small database and even a music video from the group OK Go !.
Microsoft expects to be able to store up to 1.000 billion TB in one gram of DNA
According to statements made by Karin Strauss, project leader:
We are interested in finding out if we can create an end-to-end system based on DNA that can store data, that is automatic and that can be used by companies.
Data storage needs are constantly growing, because of this, it is not surprising that several groups of scientists are studying new ways of storing digital data. One of these is DNA, genetic material that can be an ideal support because it is possible to write in molecules with a higher concentration than in conventional storage technologies.
For now, researchers and scientists from both organizations hope to continue advancing in their learning and developing the technology that allows them, according to Microsoft, to store 1.000 billion terabytes of data in a single gram of DNA.
Further information: MIT