Global Data Storage: Can You Store More Info in Human DNA than on Computers?

In summary, the conversation discusses an article on bbc.co.uk that claims the human DNA can store significantly more information than all of our technological devices combined. The validity of this statement is questioned, with some suggesting it may be a biology-based question. The conversation concludes by suggesting a method of calculating the potential amount of information that can be stored in human DNA.
  • #1
esmeralda4
52
0
Hi everyone.

I've just read this article on the bbc.co.uk


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12419672

It says..

""The Human DNA in one single body can store around 300 times more information than we store in all our technological devices" according to Dr Hilbert."

Can this possibly be true??

All the digital information stored on everyone's computer in the world is less than the information stored in the DNA of one person?

Sounds a be far fetched to me. Any thoughts? Or is this more of a Biology questions!?

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
See if you can calculate it yourself: how many cells are in the body? How many strands of dna in each? How many base pairs in each strand? And how many bits could be stored in each base pair?
 

Related to Global Data Storage: Can You Store More Info in Human DNA than on Computers?

1. Can human DNA really store more information than computers?

Yes, human DNA can store significantly more information than computers. While computers use binary code (1s and 0s) to store data, human DNA uses four chemical bases (adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine) to store genetic information. This allows for a much larger storage capacity in DNA compared to computers.

2. How much information can be stored in human DNA?

The exact amount of information that can be stored in human DNA is still unknown, but scientists estimate that a single gram of DNA can store up to 215 petabytes (215 million gigabytes) of data. This is equivalent to approximately 100 million DVDs.

3. What are the potential applications of storing data in human DNA?

The potential applications of storing data in human DNA are vast. This technology could be used for long-term data storage, such as archiving important documents or preserving cultural and historical information. It could also be used for data backup and disaster recovery, as DNA is incredibly durable and can survive extreme conditions.

4. Are there any limitations to storing data in human DNA?

There are currently several limitations to storing data in human DNA. The process of encoding and decoding data into DNA is still in its early stages and is not yet as efficient or cost-effective as traditional data storage methods. Additionally, DNA storage is not easily accessible or searchable like digital data, so it may not be suitable for all types of information.

5. Is it ethical to store data in human DNA?

This is a complex question with no definitive answer. Some argue that storing data in human DNA could have potential privacy concerns and could lead to the exploitation of genetic information. Others believe that it could be a valuable tool for preserving important data and advancing scientific research. Ultimately, the ethical implications of DNA data storage will need to be carefully considered and regulated as the technology continues to develop.

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