Storing Information for Millions of Years: A New Method of Data Preservation
In the face of an ever-growing digital archive, with an estimated 44 trillion Gb of data expected to be stored globally by 2020, the need for a reliable and secure method of data preservation has become increasingly urgent. The threat of hackers and data loss looms large, making it essential to find a solution that can safeguard our records for generations to come.
A team of researchers from Harvard University and Northwestern University has proposed a revolutionary new method of storing information using oligopeptides, small molecules composed of two or more peptides joined together. This approach offers a stable and energy-free means of storing data for millions of years, with a retrieval accuracy rate of over 99%.
From Biology to Organic Chemistry
The idea of using biological storage capacity to store data has been around for some time, with progress made in synthesizing DNA strands to record information. However, this method has limitations, including the need for repeated DNA synthesis and the resulting high cost and labor-intensive process.
The research team, led by Brian Cafferty, turned to organic and analytical chemistry for inspiration, developing a method that uses smaller, lower molecular weight molecules to encode information. This approach allows for the storage of multiple videos using a single synthetic small molecule, making it a more efficient and cost-effective option.
Achieving Oral and Written Painting Molecular
The team selected oligopeptides, which are common and stable molecules, with different molecular masses and compositions. When mixed together, these oligopeptides can be distinguished from one another based on their molecular mass, allowing for the creation of a unique “alphabet” of letters.
To store information, the team used a metal plate with 384 micropores, each containing a different oligopeptide mixture. The contents of each pore can be read using a mass spectrometer, allowing for the retrieval of the stored information.
Faster, More Convenient, and More Secure
Cafferty and his team have successfully stored and retrieved a range of data using this method, including Richard Feynman’s famous speech, Claude Shannon’s photos, and Katsushika Hokusai’s painting “The Great Wave off Kanagawa.” The accuracy of the retrieval was 99.9%, with an average “write” speed of 8 bits per second and a “read” speed of 20 bits per second.
While this method is slower than most data storage devices, it offers a number of advantages, including stability, zero energy consumption, and corrosion resistance. The oligopeptides used in the experiment are customizable, but the team is exploring the use of cheaper molecules, such as mercaptan, to reduce costs.
A Stable and Secure Future
The molecular storage method proposed by Cafferty and his team offers a promising solution for long-term archival data storage. The oligopeptides used in this method are stable and can survive for hundreds or thousands of years, even in the absence of light or oxygen.
Moreover, the molecular memory contents can only be accessed through artificial means, making it resistant to hackers and data loss. Even if all books are burned, all computers are black, and all DVDs are destroyed, these molecules might continue to exist, reminding future generations of humanity of our love for cat videos.
References
- Fink, M. J. (2019). Storage beyond cloud. Big Data Digest.
- Cafferty, B. (2019). Oligopeptide-based data storage. ACS Central Science, 9(2), 1021-1030.