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Researchers from North Carolina State University and Johns Hopkins University have developed groundbreaking technology that uses DNA for both data storage and computing, moving beyond the capabilities of conventional electronic systems. This new approach, termed the “primordial DNA store and compute engine,” demonstrates the potential of DNA to securely store data for thousands of years and perform computational tasks traditionally handled by electronic devices.
Unlike earlier DNA-based technologies, which could only manage specific tasks like storing or retrieving data, this new system integrates multiple functions. It not only stores information but also performs computations, such as solving Sudoku puzzles and chess problems. This is achieved through a sophisticated method of data manipulation using DNA molecules.
The technology leverages recent advancements in materials science, specifically the development of soft polymer materials with unique structures. Researchers have created what they call dendricolloids—microscale polymer structures that branch into nanoscale fibers. This high surface area structure allows DNA to be deposited among the nanofibrils without losing data density, a key advantage for data storage.
Albert Keung, project leader and co-corresponding author of the study, highlighted the significance of this development, explaining that DNA computing has faced the challenge of integrating storage, retrieval, and computation within nucleic acids. Traditional electronic devices benefit from compatible components, but achieving a similar range of operations with DNA has been considered nearly impossible. The new technology allows users to perform many functions akin to those of electronic devices. For instance, users can copy DNA information from the storage surface without damaging the DNA. They can also erase and rewrite specific pieces of DNA, similar to deleting and updating information on a hard drive. This feature is significant because it enables full data manipulation capabilities within the DNA storage system. The researchers explained that the equivalent of a thousand laptops’ worth of data can be fit into DNA storage the size of a pencil eraser.
The study, titled “A Primordial DNA Store and Compute Engine,” was published in Nature Nanotechnology. It represents a major step forward in the field of DNA-based technology, combining long-term data storage with computational functions in a way that challenges the traditional boundaries of electronic systems.
