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Microsoft Research Podcast

Ideas: The journey to DNA data storage

Nov 19, 2024
Bikland Quinn, a principal researcher specializing in chemistry and biotechnology, Jake Smith, an automation expert in DNA synthesis, and Sergei Yakanen, a coding theory specialist, delve into the revolutionary potential of DNA for data storage. They discuss the challenges of converting digital data into DNA sequences and the vital role of error correction to ensure data integrity. Innovations like the open-sourcing of the Trellis BMA code are highlighted, as well as the surprising resilience of DNA against radiation, showcasing the promising future of this groundbreaking technology.
42:39

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Quick takeaways

  • The DNA Data Storage Project highlights the critical need for sustainable storage solutions as data production outpaces traditional media capabilities.
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration among computer science, chemistry, and engineering is essential for overcoming the challenges of developing viable DNA data storage technology.

Deep dives

The Data Production and Storage Gap

The exponential growth of data production has surpassed the capabilities of traditional magnetic storage media, highlighting a pressing need for more efficient storage solutions. DNA offers an incredibly dense medium that can hold significantly more information per unit volume and mass compared to current technologies. This inherent density, coupled with the durability of DNA as a molecule, positions it as an attractive option for archival data storage. Moreover, the transition from traditional storage to DNA data storage is not merely a technical shift but an essential adaptation to the realities of modern data consumption.

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