Overview

• The peer-reviewed Science Advances paper from Southern University of Science and Technology describes a compact drive that automates read and write operations on a DNA-based tape.
• In a closed-loop trial, the system addressed locations, recovered, erased, rewrote, and retrieved a digital image in about 50 minutes.
• Barcoded partitions direct DNA solutions into defined file zones, a scanner positions the tape, and a mild base separates strands for sequencing while a copy remains attached for reuse.
• The researchers cite potential capacity of up to 36 petabytes per 100 meters of tape and report a removable crystalline coating to help preserve data for centuries at room temperature.
• External experts commend the automation but note that DNA synthesis and sequencing cost and speed, physical stability, and engineering scale-up keep the approach far from practical deployment.