British scientists have successfully stored a human genome on a crystal using advanced laser technology, marking a major breakthrough in data storage. A team from the University of Southampton’s Optoelectronics Research Centre has inscribed DNA data on a crystal capable of surviving for billions of years. This cutting-edge achievement may pave the way for preserving essential genetic information in the long-term, offering a potential safeguard for endangered species and, potentially, humanity itself. However, while the technology is impressive, we are still far from being able to use this genetic information to synthetically recreate complex life forms.
The crystal, which resembles fused quartz, is being hailed for its ultra-durable properties, making it one of the most resilient materials known to science. It can endure enormous pressures, extreme temperatures, and cosmic radiation, ensuring that the genetic information it contains remains intact over the millennia. Stored in Austria’s Memory of Mankind archive—a salt cave that acts as a time capsule—the crystal holds the potential to preserve knowledge and biological information for future generations, or even intelligent species or machines.
This innovation builds on the work of researchers like Professor Peter Kazansky, who led the Southampton team. The human genome—the complete set of DNA instructions found in a cell—was inscribed on what is called a “5D crystal.” Unlike traditional storage methods such as paper, tape, or hard drives, which rely on surface marking, the 5D crystal uses a combination of two optical dimensions and three spatial coordinates to encode information throughout the material. This gives the crystal its unique ability to store vast amounts of data in a highly stable and compact form.
At present, the 5D crystal can store up to 360 terabytes of information, making it an efficient and long-lasting medium for preserving data. In fact, the 5D format has earned the Guinness World Record for being the most durable data storage material, cementing its place in history as a remarkable technological achievement.
But while this technology has exciting potential, it’s important to temper expectations. Despite the crystal’s capability to store an immense amount of information, we do not yet have the scientific means to recreate complex organisms like humans or animals from genetic data alone. Although there has been some success with synthesising genetic material of simpler organisms and using it to create viable specimens in the lab, applying this knowledge to more complex life forms remains elusive.
Nevertheless, the 5D crystal opens up intriguing possibilities. It could serve as an invaluable tool for future researchers aiming to create a repository of genomic information from endangered species. As genetic research progresses, there’s hope that one day this information could be used to revive species that are on the brink of extinction, or even bring back species that have long disappeared from the Earth.
The idea of preserving genetic information on a material that could last billions of years is an enticing one, especially in an era where data storage is increasingly prone to obsolescence and degradation. Traditional digital storage methods, while improving, have limitations in terms of longevity and reliability. Hard drives, for example, can last for a few decades at best, while paper records can degrade over time. In contrast, the 5D crystal’s resilience makes it an ideal candidate for preserving vital information far into the future.
The team’s choice of location for storing the crystal—the Memory of Mankind archive in Hallstatt, Austria—adds a fascinating layer to the story. This archive is housed within a salt cave and is designed to act as a time capsule, preserving human knowledge for future generations. The inclusion of the human genome on this crystal within the archive adds a unique and symbolic twist to the endeavour. The archive, which also contains texts, images, and other cultural artefacts, could one day be discovered by future intelligent beings, human or otherwise, who may unlock the secrets of our DNA through the key inscribed on the crystal.
This visual key provides a guide to the data stored within the crystal, explaining essential details such as the universal elements (hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen), the four bases of DNA (adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine), and their molecular structure. The key also shows how these bases are arranged in the double helix structure of DNA and how genes fit into a chromosome. This crucial information could help future scientists or machines recreate a human being, provided the necessary technological advancements are made.
While this may sound like the stuff of science fiction, the idea of preserving human DNA for future use is a concept that has long fascinated scientists. The prospect of using stored DNA to bring back extinct species, or even restore humanity in the event of a catastrophic event, is both thrilling and humbling. It raises profound questions about the future of life on Earth and the role technology may play in ensuring our survival.
For now, the 5D crystal represents a significant leap forward in our ability to preserve data for future generations. It is a testament to the ingenuity of scientists and their ability to push the boundaries of what is possible. As Professor Kazansky points out, while we are not yet able to create humans from this stored genetic data, the crystal opens the door to new possibilities in genomic research and data preservation.