British Scientists Store Human Genome on 5D Crystal, Preserving It for Millions of Years

British scientists have successfully preserved the entire human genome on a 5D memory crystal, which they believe could one day serve as a blueprint to resurrect humanity after extinction, even thousands of years in the future.

The research team from the University of Southampton’s Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) revealed that this advanced data storage format, which can last millions of years, could also preserve the genomes of endangered plants and animals.

In a statement, the university highlighted that a 5D memory card can store up to 360 terabytes of data and retain its integrity for billions of years, even under extreme conditions. “The crystal is made from fused quartz, one of the most chemically and thermally durable materials on Earth,” the statement explained.

Back in 2014, this 5D memory card was recognized as the most durable data storage medium and earned a Guinness World Record for its longevity.

“It can endure extreme temperatures, from freezing to as high as 1,000 degrees Celsius, as well as withstand direct force of up to 10 tons per square centimeter. Additionally, it is unaffected by long-term exposure to cosmic radiation,” the university added.

The Southampton team, led by Professor Peter Kazansky, used ultrafast lasers to encode data into nano-structured gaps within silica, ensuring the data is embedded deeply in the material.

“Unlike traditional 2D data storage, like writing on paper or magnetic tape, this 5D method utilizes two optical dimensions and three spatial coordinates, allowing data to be stored throughout the material, hence the term ‘5D,’” the statement clarified.

Although genetic information stored in this way cannot yet be used to create synthetic humans, animals, or plants, Professor Kazansky believes the 5D crystal will preserve knowledge that future advancements might unlock.

He added, “We know that genetic material from simple organisms can already be synthesized in a lab and used to create viable life forms. The 5D memory crystal presents the potential for researchers to establish a permanent repository of genomic data, which could one day help restore complex organisms like plants and animals, should science evolve to make that possible.”