Over the years several unique ways of storing data have been invented as everything from DNA to quartz has been used as a potential medium for transferring information. Now we can add one more unique method to that list.
As Futurism puts it, “Data might be the most valuable resource in the world, but we’re quickly approaching the physical limits of the magnetic systems we use to store most of it. Additionally, mining the materials needed to create those systems, such as hard drives or USB sticks, is a burden on the environment. Given all that, it’s not surprising that finding new ways to store data is a top research priority. Now, a team from Ghent University thinks it may have figured out a promising new medium: powder.”
That’s right. It soon may be possible to store information, such as a QR code, on the grain of a powder. But how exactly does this amazing process work?!
Futurism explains:
“Using a chemical process they developed, the team figured out a way to translate information into the chemical signature of a sequence-defined macromolecule, which is a type of molecule with a specific chain length and defined groups. They then wrote two computer algorithms. One automates the process of translating the data into its chemical form and vice versa. The other program ensures this process happens quickly. As a result of these efforts, they were able to produce powders that contained links to websites and apps.”
Why anyone other than a CIA agent would ever want to transfer information through a powder is beyond me. But at the very least it’s a cool proof of concept that shows just how far we’ve come since the days of floppy discs.
Is storing data in powder the Greatest Idea Ever?
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