DNA coated with silica could store masses of data in a single gram

DNA has emerged as a tantalising way to store digital information in recent years, but it comes with a significant problem: the molecule is so fragile that individual DNA strands rapidly degrade. A new technique to boost its survivability could see the molecules used to archive our data.

DNA has been floated as a reliable medium for large data storage, partly because it has a theoretical storage capacity of about 4.55 million terabytes per gram. Unfortunately, the fragile molecule deteriorates unless it is stored under cool and dry conditions.

“Then you have the mass and the size of the chamber…