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Audio Cassette Makes a Comeback: DNA-Based Tape Could Store Billions of Songs
- Scientists in China have taken a giant leap in data storage, transforming the classic audio cassette into a futuristic memory device. Using double-helix DNA molecules, researchers have created a 100-meter-long tape that could theoretically hold 36 petabytes of data — enough for around seven billion songs.
- This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize how we store digital information. DNA has extraordinary information density: one gram could theoretically hold over 450 exabytes, equivalent to nearly 1.8 billion modern smartphones. Unlike conventional data centers, DNA tape requires no energy for preservation and could last centuries if properly stored.
- The new DNA cassette allows for repeated reading and rewriting of data, much like a modern hard drive, but with unmatched storage capacity. The system uses DNA-coded partitions and a specialized automated device that can place, locate, and translate the genetic chains back into digital data. This innovation could transform digital archives and the way we preserve vital information for future generations.
