Preserving Humanity : Storing the Human Genome in an Indestructible ‘5D Memory Crystal
For the first time, scientists have stored the entire human genome in a highly durable “5D memory crystal.” This technology could protect our genetic information for billions of years, possibly even until the end of the universe.
What is a 5D Memory Crystal?
The crystal is a small, coin-sized disk made from a synthetic material similar to fused quartz, one of the most stable materials on Earth. It was developed by researchers at the University of Southampton in England, who first created the crystal in 2014. Since then, it has held the title of the “most durable data storage material” according to Guinness World Records.
Why is it Special?
Most data storage devices degrade over time. However, these crystals can remain stable for an astonishing 300 quintillion years (that’s 3 followed by 20 zeros) at room temperature. Even at 374°F (190°C), they can last for up to 13.8 billion years—the same age as the universe. They can also survive extreme conditions, such as temperatures up to 1,800°F (1,000°C), pressures equivalent to the weight of two elephants, and exposure to cosmic radiation, making them perfect for long-term space travel.
How Does it Work?
To store data, scientists use lasers to encode information onto tiny nodes within the crystal, which are only 20 nanometers wide (about 0.0000008 inches). This creates a five-dimensional storage matrix, with each crystal able to hold up to 360 terabytes of data—more than 5,000 times the storage capacity of a typical iPhone.
In this case, the team encoded the entire human genome, which consists of 3 billion letters representing the four DNA bases: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and thymine (T).
What Could This Mean for the Future?
The crystal will be placed in the “Memory of Mankind” collection in the Hallstatt salt mine in Germany. Researchers hope that, if humans ever go extinct, this “DNA time capsule” could one day help revive our species, though it’s not currently possible to recreate a species from a single genome.
Potential Uses Beyond the Human Genome
Even if reviving humanity isn’t possible, these crystals could serve other purposes. For example, they could be used to preserve the DNA of endangered species, protecting them from extinction due to climate change or human activities.
Challenges Ahead
Not everyone is convinced that a future civilization would be able to understand or use the data stored in these crystals. As Thomas Heinis, a DNA storage expert at Imperial College London, pointed out, “I can barely connect my 10-year-old iPod and listen to what I listened [to] back then.” This suggests that without the right technology, it may be difficult to read or interpret the information in the future.
In conclusion, the 5D memory crystal represents an incredible leap in data storage technology, with the potential to preserve the essence of humanity long after we’re gone. Whether future beings will be able to use it remains to be seen, but it opens up exciting possibilities for preserving life and knowledge.
