Originally posted by Jed E. Robinson on RoundNews.com on August
17, 2012 Scientists from Harvard University wanted to prove that
DNA, the genetic template substance, can be a viable storage
solution. They took a 200+ page book that totalled close to
53000 words. The scope of Harvard’s research was to see if DNA
molecules ca be used to store a large amount of data. DNA can
last for thousands of years as opposed to the average harddrive
lifespan which is close to 5 years of active use. If DNA is
trapped in amber then it can last for million of years. In order
to convert the digital version of the book to DNA the following
process was followed: - The resulting binary string was analysed
bit by bit. A nucleobase was assigned for every bit value. - The
5.27 million base long DNA strand was synthesized by analysing
96 bases at a time - The synthesized DNA now contains the entire
book. Its weight is one million time less than the weight of a
grain of salt. After the book was converted to DNA, Harvard
scientists went