Hachimoji DNA (hachi is Japanese for eight, moji for letter) is deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) with eight nucleobases — four natural, and four synthetic.[1][2][3][4][5] The synthesis of the Hachimoji eight-base DNA system was the result of research studies funded by NASA.[3] Benefits of such a DNA system may include an enhanced ability to store digital data, as well as insights into what may be possible in the search for extraterrestrial life.[5][6] According to Lori Glaze of the Planetary Science Division of NASA, "Life detection is an increasingly important goal of NASA's planetary science missions, and this new work [with hachimoji DNA] will help us to develop effective instruments and experiments that will expand the scope of what we look for."[3][7] Research team leader Steven Benner notes, “By carefully analyzing the roles of shape, size and structure in hachimoji DNA, this work expands our understanding of the types of molecules that might store information in extraterrestrial life on alien worlds.”[8]