- Researchers at the University of Missouri 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 advances in what it calls a “DNA hard drive,” claiming it can repeatedly store, erase and rewrite information.
Unlike conventional hard drives or cloud storage, which rely on magnetic or solid-state media, this approach takes advantage of the molecular stability of DNA.
The researchers say DNA offers extraordinary storage density and longevity, which could make such a device practical and energy efficient compared to current data centers.
Potential and promise of storage at the molecular level
“DNA is incredible: It stores the blueprint of life in a small, stable package,” said Li-Qun ‘Andrew’ Gu, a professor of chemical and biomedical engineering in the Mizzou College of Engineering.
“We wanted to see if we could store and rewrite information at the molecular level faster, easier and more efficiently than ever before.”
Details about the writing process remain limited, although the researchers’ associated paper describes a method called frameshift encoding, which converts binary information into sequences of nucleotides, which can then be synthesized as DNA strands.
As for reading, the equipment combines a compact electronic device with a nanopore sensor.
As the DNA passes through the nanopore, the electronics and software detect and interpret subtle electrical changes, converting the A, C, G and T sequences back into binary.
This combination of molecular encoding and electronic detection aims to provide rewritable functionality in a form that resembles the familiar hard drive workflow.
While the approach remains largely theoretical, the researchers argue that it could serve as a long-term alternative to energy-intensive storage solutions.
Rewritability, in particular, is touted as a distinguishing 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, user-ready device, and prototype details, operational benchmarks and availability timelines have not been shared, leaving questions about speed, reliability and cost unanswered.
The researchers acknowledge that reducing the size of a DNA hard drive to the size of a USB stick is a long-term goal and not 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 advance builds on decades of research into DNA-based data storage, including collaborations between MIT, the University of Washington, and Microsoft.
What seems to set this effort apart is the supposed combination of simplicity, speed, and rewriting.
DNA storage is finally within our reach, promising billions of terabytes in microscopic volumes that will last for centuries, but it may be out of reach for 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 is still 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 about $5,120,000. So would you pay that amount for storage that lasts centuries?
Via Toms Hardware
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