- University of Missouri researchers say DNA hard drives can repeatedly store, erase and rewrite
- Frameshift encoding converts binary data into DNA sequences for molecular storage
- Nanopore sensors read DNA sequences by detecting subtle changes in electrical signals
The University of Missouri has announced progress on what it calls a “DNA hard drive,” saying it can store, erase and rewrite information repeatedly.
Unlike conventional hard drives or cloud storage, which rely on magnetic or solid media, this approach exploits the molecular stability of DNA.
Researchers say DNA offers extraordinary storage density and longevity, which could make such a device both practical and energy efficient compared to current data centers.
Potential and promise of storage at the molecular level
“DNA is amazing: It stores the blueprint for life in a small, stable package,” said Li-Qun ‘Andrew’ Gu, professor of chemical and biomedical engineering in Mizzou’s College of Engineering.
“We wanted to see if we could store and rewrite information at the molecular level faster, simpler and more efficiently than ever before.”
Details about the writing process remain limited, although the researchers’ associated paper describes a method called frameshift coding, which converts binary information into nucleotide sequences, which can then be synthesized as DNA strands.
On the reading side, the team combines a compact electronic device with a nanopore sensor.
As DNA passes through the nanopore, subtle electrical changes are detected and interpreted by electronics and software, converting the A, C, G and T sequences back to binary.
This combination of molecular coding and electronic sensing is intended to provide rewritable functionality in a form that resembles the familiar hard drive workflow.
Although the approach remains largely theoretical, the researchers say it could provide a long-term alternative to energy-intensive storage solutions.
Rewriting, in particular, is presented as a distinctive feature. Previous DNA storage systems were largely archives: data could be stored but not easily modified.
Despite the enthusiasm, the team has yet to demonstrate a miniaturized, ready-to-use device – and prototype details, operational benchmarks and availability timelines have not been shared, leaving questions about speed, reliability and cost unanswered.
Researchers recognize that reducing the size of a DNA hard drive to the size of a USB stick is a long-term goal rather than an immediate reality.
Comparisons to cloud storage or commercial hard drives remain speculative at this stage, and practical implementation could require years of engineering and validation.
This current advancement builds on decades of research into DNA-based data storage, including collaborations involving MIT, the University of Washington and Microsoft.
What seems to distinguish this effort is the claimed combination of simplicity, speed, and rewriting.
DNA storage is finally within reach, promising billions of terabytes in microscopic volumes that will last for centuries, but it may well be beyond the reach of individuals.
Atlas Data Storage recently revealed plans to store 13TB of digital information in a space as small as a drop of water.
However, this technology remains extremely expensive. Biomemory, a French startup, sells its 1KB DNA storage cards in pairs for $1,000.
This means that to store 5 MB (5,120 KB) of data, you would need 5,120 pairs of cards, which would cost around $5,120,000. So would you pay that much for storage over several centuries?
Via Toms Hardware
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