DNA is nature’s computing system.
Unlike vast data centers, DNA is astonishingly condensed. These molecules encapsulate an entire organism’s genetic blueprints within intricate structures found in every cell. Stored correctly, chilled samples—be they biological or digital—and the information encoded within DNA can remain intact for millennia.
DNA plays multiple roles beyond mere storage, its functionality far more complex than simply storing genetic information. Millions of molecular switches toggle gene expression with precision, akin to expertly writing lines of code, to harmoniously regulate mobile functions on a consistent schedule. Cells’ physiology reads specific portions of their genetic code at precise moments, integrating this information to orchestrate a harmonious, healthy existence.
Researchers have long considered DNA as a potential platform for developing high-performance computers that could potentially revolutionize laptop technology. As the world’s reliance on digital data continues to surge, silicon chips face a significant challenge in keeping pace with demands for efficient information storage and computation. There is an added pressure to consider alternative choices.
Although DNA storage has its advantages, the major concern is that the stored data often becomes irretrievable once it’s been “read” or accessed.
In the final month of the academic year, researchers from North Carolina State University and Johns Hopkins University collaborated on a groundbreaking project. Researchers successfully integrated DNA sequences, containing numerous photographs, within a three-dimensional, networked structure mirroring the morphology of a neuron.
Dubbed dendricolloids, researchers have found that these unique structures excel in preserving DNA information far more effectively than freeze-dried samples alone. Researchers have successfully subjected DNA stored within dendritic colloids to approximately 170 cycles of dehydration and rehydration without compromising the preserved genetic data. According to estimates, a single DNA strand could remain intact for approximately two million years when stored at standard freezer temperatures.
Unlike previous DNA-based computer systems, the stored information can be rewritten and modified in a manner similar to traditional computing’s memory architecture, allowing for the resolution of various computational challenges, such as solving a simple game of chess or a Sudoku puzzle.
Until recently, DNA was largely viewed as either a permanent archival medium or a one-time data repository. Researchers are struggling to develop DNA storage technology capable of storing, learning, rewriting, reloading, or computing specific data repeatedly, according to writer Albert Keung in a press release.
Notwithstanding our success in developing a DNA-based technology, the fact remains that we have achieved this milestone, said he.
A Grain of Sand
Instead of trying to hijack the code of life, scientists aim to understand and harness its fundamental principles to drive innovation in storage and computation.
The initial key developments were focused on data warehousing. Computer systems rely on intricate patterns of 0s and 1s to store and process information. DNA uses four distinct nucleotide bases – adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G) – to encode genetic information. Completely disparate binary codes—00, 01, 10, 11—could be mapped onto distinct sets of DNA nucleotides. Because of its unique packaging in cells, DNA can theoretically store significantly more information in a remarkably smaller space than digital devices.
According to Keung, you could theoretically store the equivalent value of over a thousand laptops’ worth of data within DNA-based storage that fits in an area roughly the size of a small pencil eraser.
With any laptop, having the ability to seamlessly search and retrieve information is a fundamental expectation. Cells have evolved mechanisms to selectively retrieve specific sequences from a DNA strand, utilizing a form of random access recall that enables the extraction of targeted genetic information on demand. Previous studies have leveraged retailers to access books, photographs, and interior DNA data. Researchers have employed DNA “labels” as a submission method for streamlined sample extraction.
However, merely storing and extracting information constitutes only a small part of the narrative. A pc must, nicely, compute.
In the past year, scientists have successfully developed a programmable DNA-based computer capable of running billions of unique circuits with remarkably low energy consumption. Traditionally, these molecular machines functioned by allowing distinct DNA strands to bind together based on computational requirements. Different pairs can implement entirely novel instances of “and,” “or,” and “not” logic gates, thereby recapitulating the core functionality of contemporary digital computer systems.
Studying and computing often degrade the unique DNA information, rendering most DNA-based programmes unusable beyond a single instance. Researchers have also created another type of DNA computer that detects changes in the molecular structure. These might be rewritten. Unlike typical cumbersome drives, these storage solutions encode multiple iterations of data, yet they’re also better equipped to handle increasing demands.
DNA Meets Knowledge
The brand-new study successfully combined the greatest aspects from both realms. Researchers successfully developed a DNA-based laptop capable of storing data, performing calculations, and resetting its system for another cycle.
The fundamental principle governing the functioning of the system is rooted in the central dogma concept within biology. DNA is stored within the nucleus of cells, confined to a compact structure called chromatin. As cells decode their genetic blueprints, activated genes orchestrate a molecular symphony by translating their encoded instructions into RNA, ultimately yielding proteins that execute specific functions. DNA, once safely preserved, includes protein-based “regulators” that toggle genes on or off, influencing the genetic information encoded in RNA while maintaining the integrity of its unique sequence.
Given the static nature of DNA-encoded data, multiple iterations of RNA-based computations can be executed with ease, leveraging advancements in technology.
Developed through innovative engineering, a jelly-like structure with branching architecture eerily resembled a mind cell in its intricate design. Researchers have dubbed the innovative discovery “dendricolloids,” describing the ability of these DNA strands to seamlessly integrate with their surroundings without compromising the crucial information density necessary for efficient data storage, according to study author Orlin Velev.
Will we be able to extract and copy DNA information directly from the fabric without causing any harm or damage to the delicate genetic material? According to Dr. Kevin Lin, the study’s lead author, erasing specific DNA segments and then rewriting them to the same level is akin to deleting and rewriting files stored on a hard drive.
Embedded within the fabric was a synthetic DNA sequence comprising precisely 200 characters. Incorporating a molecular cocktail capable of converting DNA sequences into RNA, the fabric successfully produced RNA repeatedly over 10 rounds. In principle, the resulting RNA could theoretically store up to 46 terabytes of data at standard refrigerator and freezer temperatures.
The dendritic colloids possess the remarkable ability to absorb more than 2,700 distinct DNA strands, each approximately 250 nucleotides in length, thereby safeguarding their encoded information. By encoding three distinct JPEG files directly onto the building’s surface, the team successfully translated digital data into an organic format. Within realistic simulations of DNA data access, researchers were able to recover accurate information up to 10 times without degrading or losing any critical details throughout the process.
Sport On
Taking cues from nature’s own eraser-like forms. These enzymes degrade RNA without harming the DNA template. This course of regulation governs the normal functioning of cells, ensuring that they properly execute their physiological capabilities, such as eliminating RNA molecules that are detrimental to overall health.
The team created 1,000 distinct DNA fragments to tackle a multitude of mysteries. The genetic code governing the game of chess is remarkably complex, with each DNA molecule encoding nine possible starting positions for the players. Molecules were aggregated, each one embodying a distinct structural possibility. The system was able to learn as a result of this provided information. In certain instances, a single gene can control a chessboard maneuver by encoding its own replication into RNA. While one other strategy may potentially curb RNA ranges that are detrimental to the sport?
The engineered protein ensured the integrity of DNA-to-RNA conversions, verifying the final products with precision. All defective RNA strands were eliminated, leaving behind only those that reflected the predicted outcome. Together with their chess skills, the staff successfully employed this approach to solve simple Sudoku puzzles as well.
The concept of a DNA-based laptop remains in its nascent stages. Unlike previous eras, today’s systems seamlessly integrate storage and compute capabilities within a single, unified architecture.
Molecular information storage and computation has its share of pleasures, but a pressing concern surrounds the sector’s viability. “We aimed to create a pioneering concept that would stimulate innovation in the field of molecular computing.”
