How about DNA as data storage :

Storing data in DNA is a groundbreaking approach with numerous advantages over traditional storage methods. Here’s why researchers and technologists are exploring this field:

1. High Density

• DNA is incredibly compact. One gram of DNA can theoretically store 215 petabytes (215 million gigabytes) of data. This makes it far denser than current storage media like hard drives or SSDs.

2. Longevity

• DNA can last for thousands of years if stored properly. Unlike hard drives or magnetic tapes that degrade over a few decades, DNA’s stability offers a long-term solution for archival data.

3. Durability

• DNA is a stable molecule that can withstand extreme conditions, such as temperature and radiation, much better than electronic storage media.

4. Low Maintenance

• Unlike data centers that require constant energy for cooling and operation, DNA storage needs minimal energy after encoding and can simply be kept in a cool, dry environment.

5. Scalability

• As digital data continues to grow exponentially (e.g., from IoT devices, social media, etc.), traditional storage technologies are struggling to keep pace. DNA offers a potential way to scale data storage far beyond current limits.

6. Sustainability

• DNA storage could be more environmentally friendly. Data centers consume massive amounts of electricity, contributing to carbon emissions. DNA data storage could reduce this demand significantly.

7. Universality

• DNA is a universal storage medium because the same biological principles apply everywhere. It is possible to recover information as long as the reader knows the genetic code format.

8. Future-Proof

• DNA as a medium is not likely to become obsolete, as it is a fundamental part of biology. Unlike electronic formats that change over time, the way DNA encodes information will always be relevant.

Use Case for Books

Storing books in DNA symbolizes the preservation of human knowledge in a durable, compact, and future-proof format. Libraries, governments, or archives could preserve entire literary collections in a test tube, ensuring that our cultural heritage survives potential digital or physical catastrophes.

Challenges

Despite the potential, there are challenges:

1. Cost: Encoding and decoding DNA are currently expensive and slow.

2. Error Rates: DNA synthesis and sequencing aren’t perfect, leading to errors in data retrieval.

3. Read/Write Speeds: DNA data retrieval is much slower compared to electronic methods.

Outlook

Advances in biotechnology are rapidly improving the efficiency and affordability of DNA data storage, making it a plausible long-term solution for humanity’s ever-growing data needs.