- University of Missouri researchers claim that DNA hard drives can store, erase and rewrite repeatedly
- Frameshift encoding converts binary data into DNA sequences for molecular storage
- Nanopore sensors read DNA sequences by detecting subtle electrical signal changes
The University of Missouri has announced progress on what it calls a “DNA hard drive” and claims it can store, erase and rewrite information repeatedly.
Unlike conventional HDDs or cloud storage, which rely on magnetic or solid-state media, this approach exploits the molecular stability of DNA.
The researchers claim that DNA offers extraordinary storage density and longevity, which could make such a device both practical and energy efficient compared to today’s 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, professor of chemistry 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 of the writing process remain limited, although the researchers’ accompanying paper describes a method called frameshift coding, which converts binary information into sequences of nucleotides that can then be synthesized as strands of DNA.
On the reading side, the team pairs 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 encoding and electronic sensing is intended to provide rewritable functionality in a form similar to the familiar hard disk 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 characteristic. Previous DNA storage systems were largely archiving systems – data could be stored but not easily changed.
Despite the excitement, the team has yet to demonstrate a miniaturized, ready-to-use device — and prototype details, operational benchmarks and timelines for availability have not been shared, leaving questions about speed, reliability and cost unanswered.
The researchers acknowledge that shrinking a DNA HDD to USB drive size is a long-term goal rather than an immediate reality.
Comparisons with cloud storage or commercial HDDs remain speculative at this stage, and practical implementation may require years of construction and validation.
This current breakthrough builds on decades of research into DNA-based data storage, including collaborations involving MIT, the University of Washington, and Microsoft.
What seems to set this effort apart is the claimed combination of simplicity, speed, and rewritability.
DNA storage is finally within reach, promising billions of terabytes in microscopic volumes that last centuries, but it may just 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 need 5,120 pairs of cards, which cost about $5,120,000 – so would you pay that much for centuries-long storage?
Via Tom’s Hardware
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