A start-up called Catalog states that you can store one terabyte of data in one gram of DNA. However, there are still questions as to whether the technology is really ready or not.
The history of storage will change
We are currently living in the Big Data era. This is a term that describes the large amount of data – both structured and unstructured – that are generated by individuals and companies on a daily basis. Big data can be analyzed for indications and information that lead to better decisions and strategic business actions. But how do you store this data in the future?
Commercial DNA Storage
The start-up Catalog, based at the Harvard Life Lab, has announced plans for the first commercial DNA data storage service. The company says it has developed a way to store a terabyte of data – the equivalent of 40 Blu-rays – in a gram of DNA. The use of DNA as a data storage medium has long attracted industry thanks to its durability and density. If kept fresh and dry, the DNA can last reliably by hundreds. “We are developing next-generation technology to store digital information in DNA molecules. Our vision is to tailor the information content of entire data centers to the palm of your hand. We have proven our approach to encoding data in the DNA and we are in the process of expanding our platform. The technology of our company will make the use of Deoxyribonucleic Acid as the main means of long-term data storage economically attractive,” the company said in a statement on its website. According to an article published by New Scientist, DNA is one of the densest and durable methods of data storage. The news agency said the filing process is very similar to storing information on a hard drive. This idea is not new, as the tech giant Microsoft itself has in the past showed investment in a project that has a similar goal. So, what do you think about this? Simply share all your views and thoughts in the comment section below.
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