Human Genome Preserved on Eternal Memory Crystal

The team at the University of Southampton’s Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) has developed a groundbreaking technology that could potentially shape the future of humanity. This technology, known as the 5D memory crystal, has the potential to serve as a blueprint for bringing humanity back from extinction thousands, millions, or even billions of years into the future, should science allow. The crystal's remarkable capabilities extend beyond safeguarding human existence.

One of the key applications of the 5D memory crystal is its ability to create a lasting record of the genomes of endangered plant and animal species facing the threat of extinction. This innovative approach could play a crucial role in preserving the genetic information of vulnerable species for future generations to study and potentially revive. The crystal's durability and longevity make it an ideal candidate for storing vast amounts of information securely for extended periods.

Unlike traditional data storage formats that degrade over time, the 5D memory crystal can store up to 360 terabytes of data without any loss for billions of years, even under extreme conditions such as high temperatures. This exceptional durability has earned the crystal a Guinness World Record for being the most resilient data storage material, a recognition it received in 2014. Its composition, similar to fused quartz, enables it to withstand a wide range of environmental challenges, from freezing temperatures to intense heat.

The process of encoding data into the 5D memory crystal involves using ultra-fast lasers to inscribe information into nanostructured voids within silica. This method utilizes two optical dimensions and three spatial coordinates to write throughout the material, hence the name '5D.' The precision and complexity of this encoding technique ensure that the data stored within the crystal remains intact and accessible for future generations.

To demonstrate the potential of the 5D memory crystal, the team at Southampton created a crystal containing the complete human genome. Each of the approximately three billion letters in the genome was sequenced 150 times to ensure accuracy. This ambitious project, conducted in collaboration with Helixwork Technologies, showcases the crystal's capacity to store vast amounts of genetic information securely for an indefinite period.