Scientists have developed an innovative way to store digital data in DNA that mimics traditional printing press technology, potentially revolutionizing how we preserve information for the future. Unlike previous DNA storage methods that rely on synthesizing new DNA sequences, this approach uses premade DNA components and enzymes to “print” data through chemical modifications.
Published in Nature | Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
A team led by researchers at multiple institutions has demonstrated a new approach to DNA data storage that could make the technology more practical and accessible. Their system, which they call “molecular movable type printing,” uses special enzymes to write data by adding small chemical modifications to existing DNA molecules, similar to how a printing press stamps ink onto paper.
“Our framework presents a new modality of DNA data storage that is parallel, programmable, stable and scalable,” the researchers write in Nature. This breakthrough offers a fresh path toward practical molecular data systems that could help address our growing need for efficient, long-term data storage.
The system works by using an enzyme called DNMT1 to add methyl groups (small chemical modifications) to specific locations on DNA molecules. These modifications serve as binary code – the presence or absence of a methyl group represents a 1 or 0. The researchers designed their system to write these modifications in parallel, meaning many bits of data can be written simultaneously, dramatically speeding up the process compared to traditional DNA synthesis methods.
To demonstrate their system’s capabilities, the team successfully stored and retrieved various types of data, including images and text. In one striking demonstration, they enabled 60 student volunteers with no professional biolab experience to store and retrieve text data using their system, showing its potential for distributed, personal data storage.
The researchers proved their method’s practicality by storing approximately 275,000 bits of data, including a historical tiger rubbing image from China’s Han dynasty and a colored panda picture. Importantly, they achieved high accuracy in data retrieval – up to 97.47% – and developed error correction methods to ensure perfect data recovery.
Glossary
- Epigenetic modifications: Chemical changes added to DNA that don’t alter its basic sequence but can affect how it functions
- Methylation: A specific type of epigenetic modification where a methyl group (CH3) is added to DNA
- DNMT1: An enzyme that adds methyl groups to DNA in a specific pattern
- Parallel processing: The ability to perform multiple operations simultaneously rather than one at a time
Test Your Knowledge
What type of chemical modification is used to store data in this system?
Methyl groups (methylation) are used to modify the DNA and store binary data.
How does this system differ from traditional DNA data storage methods?
Instead of synthesizing new DNA sequences, this system uses premade DNA components and adds chemical modifications to store data.
What makes this system potentially more practical than previous DNA storage methods?
The system can write multiple bits of data in parallel and doesn’t require expensive DNA synthesis, making it potentially faster and more cost-effective.
What evidence suggests this system could be practical for personal use?
60 student volunteers with no professional biolab experience successfully used the system to store and retrieve text data, demonstrating its potential for distributed, personal data storage.
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