In the movie Jurassic Park, dinosaurs were resurrected from DNA samples. Now, science fiction is closer to reality. A team of scientists has stored complete human DNA in a 5D crystal, which could be the way to bring us back from… extinction.
What will storage of the future look like?
British scientists at the University of Southampton have made a groundbreaking discovery by being able to store complete human DNA information in a 5D crystal, an advance that could transform the way we preserve genetic data and open the door to restoring humanity in the event of extinction.
Using ultrafast lasers, the team was able to inscribe genetic information into the crystal, which, according to the researchers, has the ability to last billions of years without degrading, even when subjected to extreme conditions.
O 5D crystal, also known as "memory crystal"", was developed by the team at the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) at the University of Southampton. It is made from a material similar to fused quartz, considered one of the most resistant materials both chemically and thermally.
According to the team, the crystal is capable of withstanding immense forces, extreme temperatures and even exposure to cosmic radiation, making it one of the most durable forms of information storage ever known.
The designation "5D" refers to the encoding process used by scientists, which takes advantage of two optical dimensions and three spatial coordinates to inscribe data into the material.
This process goes beyond traditional data storage techniques, which record information only on a two-dimensional surface, such as paper or magnetic tape. In the case of 5D crystal, the information is distributed throughout its entire structure, ensuring unparalleled long-term preservation.
Restore humanity?
The DNA stored in the crystal contains the complete genetic instructions of a human being. This represents a significant advance in preserving our genetic heritage and, potentially, that of endangered species.
The crystal could, in the future, be used to store the DNA of endangered plant and animal species, offering the possibility of restoring them if scientific advances allow.
While current technology does not yet allow for the creation of humans or animals from genetic information alone, the researchers believe the 5D crystal could prove useful when that capability is achieved. Professor Peter Kazansky, who led the research, said the development opens the door for scientists to use this genetic repository to restore extinct species in the future.
5D memory refers to an innovative data storage method that uses crystals to record information in three spatial dimensions and two optical dimensions. This technology allows for the storage of an immense amount of data — up to 360 terabytes on a single crystal — with a durability that surpasses other current storage formats.
How does crystal storage work?
The process of writing data into the crystal uses ultrafast lasers, which fire pulses of light into the material at incredibly high speeds. These pulses create microscopic patterns within the crystal, which can be read to decipher the stored information.
One of the most interesting features of this system is its longevity: while traditional storage methods, such as hard drives and CDs, can degrade over time, the 5D crystal promises to last for billions of years without losing its integrity.
Furthermore, the crystal contains a visual key that explains what is stored inside it and how future generations or intelligences (whether human or artificial) will be able to use this information.
This key includes the universal chemical elements (hydrogen, oxygen, carbon and nitrogen) and the four building blocks of DNA (adenine, cytosine, guanine and thymine), as well as the double helix structure of DNA and how genes are organized in a chromosome.
The Memory of Mankind archive in Hallstatt, Austria, where the genome crystal is stored (University of Southampton/PA)
Technology for the future
If scientific advances in the future allow the use of this genetic information, 5D crystals could play a crucial role in the restoration of extinct species or even the regeneration of humanity in the event of a catastrophic event.
The team of scientists has now stored the crystal in a special archive called "Memory of Mankind" (Memory of Humanity), which is kept in a salt cave in Hallstatt, Austriato ensure its protection and preservation.
In addition to being a futuristic solution for preserving genetic data, 5D crystals also offer impressive storage capacity: up to 360 terabytes of information can be recorded on a single crystal, making it a valuable tool for storing huge amounts of data.
New paradigm?
The technological breakthrough developed by British scientists at the University of Southampton represents a paradigm shift in the way we store and preserve genetic information.
The use of 5D crystals, capable of lasting billions of years and withstanding extreme conditions, could have profound implications for science, especially with regard to species conservation and the possibility of restoring life in the future.
Source: pplware.sapo.pt
