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Data Storing Bacteria Could Last Millennia
PetManimal writes "Computerworld has a story about a new technology developed by Keio University researchers that creates artificial bacterial DNA that can carry more than 100 bits of data within the genome sequence. The researchers claimed that they encoded "e= mc2 1905!" on the common soil bacteria, Bacillius subtilis. The bacteria-based data storage method has backup and long-term archival functionality." The researchers say "While the technology would most likely first be used to track medication, it could also be used to store text and images for many millennia, thwarting the longevity issues associated with today's disk and tape storage systems ... The artificial DNA that carries the data to be preserved makes multiple copies of the DNA and inserts the original as well as identical copies into the bacterial genome sequence. The multiple copies work as backup files to counteract natural degradation of the preserved data, according to the newswire. Bacteria have particularly compact DNA, which is passed down from generation to generation. The information stored in that DNA can also be passed on for long-term preservation of large data files."
This is the ultimate distribution system for OSS. New distros are released every flu season.
It's also not a bad way to distribute movies. Let the RIAA sue a bunch of bugs for file sharing.
And windows could be distibuted on anthrax bacteria, so users would learn to be appropriately wary.
But how many Libraries of Congress will a bathroom drain hold?
Support NYCountryLawyer RIAA vs People
My backup chemistry thesis mutated; granting me a degree in forensic anthropology.
My backup chemistry thesis stored on Data Storing Bacteria mutated; granting me a degree in forensic anthropology. v4sw7
But as always, a virus can still eat your data.
"There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy."
Funny how a virus will still corrupt your data.
--<Mike>--
"it could also be used to store text and images for many millennia"
Imagine a Scientist from the 37th century scanning a particular bacteria's DNA sequence and hit Goatse
geek page at KY speaks
100 bits ought to be enough for anybody.
Don't tell AOL about this. I, for one, do not welcome all the envelopes full of "starter" bacteria.
One line blog. I hear that they're called Twitters now.
Just be careful where you leave your files around. Imagine:
Friend #1: "Dude, I was hungry, so I helped myself to your yogurt."
Friend #2: "Dude, you just ate my porn collection!"
Be relentless!