14 DAY TRIAL // If it seems like only days have passed since you learned of the first practical applications of DNA as storage device, that's because it really was just days ago that we reported on it. And yet the short time since was enough to catapult the research sector forward a whole stage.
DNA is the component of living cells that contains all the information about how a body is built, how it grows, how it responds to external and internal stimuli and foreign objects, etc. RNA has a role as well, but it's mostly DNA that dictates things.
That's not the exclusive focus of biochemists though. In fact, biochemists and bioengineers seem quite enthused by the raw storage potential of Deoxyribonucleic acid.
With a single, pin tip-sized drop of DNA capable of storing terabytes upon terabytes of information, there are real plans for DNA-based storage devices and computers.
We won't be seeing biocomputers for a while, but that shouldn't prevent us from taking advantage of the DNA storage capacity. That's what a music band by the name of OK Go feels at least.
OK Go is preparing a DNA-stored music album
Sri Kosuri, a biochemist from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA for short) was able to help OK Go translate their album from binary, digital files (made from ones and zeroes) into genetic code.
The DNA version of the album (called Hungry Ghosts) is a very small vial with a few drops of water that carry copies of the tunes.
It's an artistic gesture, since you won't be able to actually listen to the music stored that way. Even if a DNA computer gets created years or decades from now, it won't be able to just look at a glass vial filled with water to play the tracks.
Damian Kulash acknowledged this, saying that they aren't sure how they will be able to physically get the album to buyers, or if anyone will buy it. Assuming they get permission to sell it in the first place, given how heavily DNA and bioengineering in general is regulated.
Still, as a symbol of Biocomputing, the Hungry Ghosts DNA album is a great step forward. One that other corporations may mimic sooner rather than later.
Availability and pricing
The album hasn't been technically put on sale, but it should be properly released before the end of the year. The price is unknown. It's pretty hard to slap a label on this kind of mixture between artistic gesture and scientific project.
Fortunately, you can find it as MP3s, a CD, and a vinyl record already (Hungry Ghosts was released a couple of weeks ago).
