New dynamic structures store and retrieve information from DNA

The scientists presented how they implemented in vitro stacking structures using DNA polymers.

New DNA chemical reaction system,Designed as a stack, it can record combinations of two different DNA signals (0s and 1s), output the signals into solution in reverse order, and then record again.

A stack is a linear data structure thatworks in a certain order: it performs operations, it stores and retrieves data. It does this by constructing and truncating DNA polymers from individual strands of ssDNA.

Such a stack data structure could eventually be embedded in an in vivo context for storing RNA messengers and changing the temporal order of the translational response, among other applications.

Information processing has a strong influenceenvironmental impact. For example, digital technology emits more pollution than the aviation industry. The world's seven thousand largest data centers consume about 2% of global electricity. However DNA is an excellent substrate for data storage, as well as a renewable and sustainable resource. 

Natalio Krasnogor, Professor at the School of Computing, Newcastle University,

The experimental DNA stack system proves that polymerizing DNA chemistry can be used as a dynamic data structure to store two types of DNA signals.

Although more research is needed todetermining the best way to archive and access DNA-based data. However, the study highlights the tremendous potential of this technology and how it can help meet rapidly growing data needs.

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