TED-ED: Is DNA the future of data storage? - Leo Bear-McGuinness

The video explores the potential of DNA as a storage medium, highlighting its ability to store vast amounts of data in a small space. It discusses DNA's natural role in storing biological information and its use in cryptography. Scientists have encoded significant data, such as Shakespeare's sonnets, into DNA, demonstrating its capacity and longevity. DNA's half-life and potential for synthetic reproduction make it a promising candidate for long-term data storage, possibly preserving human knowledge for future generations.

What is the primary advantage of using DNA over traditional storage methods?

• DNA is more environmentally friendly.

• DNA is easier to access.

• DNA can store information for much longer periods.

• DNA is cheaper to produce.

In 1999, what did scientists in New York achieve with DNA?

• They developed a DNA-based computer.

• They discovered a new DNA base.

• They encoded a message into DNA and successfully decoded it.

• They created a new species of bacteria.

How did UK scientists in 2012 utilize DNA for data storage?

• They stored a single image.

• They encoded 739 kilobytes of computer files, including Shakespeare's sonnets.

• They created a DNA-based video game.

• They developed a DNA-based encryption algorithm.

What is the theoretical limit of DNA storage capacity?

• 100 terabytes on a pencil eraser.

• 100 gigabytes on a pencil eraser.

• 100 petabytes on a pencil eraser.

• 100 million HD movies on a pencil eraser.

What is the half-life of DNA, and why is it significant?

• 50 years, because it degrades quickly.

• 500 years, allowing it to last much longer than traditional storage.

• 50,000 years, ensuring eternal preservation.

• 5,000 years, making it nearly indestructible.

What was the outcome of the experiment with Conan, The Bacterium?

• The bacterium failed to reproduce.

• The bacterium reproduced with data loss.

• The bacterium reproduced at least 100 generations without data loss.

• The bacterium mutated and lost the data.

What future possibility does DNA storage offer?

• Building a DNA-based internet.

• Creating a living, growing knowledge archive.

• Developing a new form of life.

• Inventing a DNA-powered vehicle.