Sat May 17 23:30:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**The Hindu: Scientists Achieve Breakthrough in Biological Data Storage**

**May 18, 2025 (05:00 am IST) -** In a groundbreaking development, scientists at the University of Texas have successfully stored data within synthetic molecules, paving the way for a potential revolution in data storage technology. This achievement, reported on May 16th by a team led by Bipin Pandey, marks a significant step forward in harnessing the superior data-packing capabilities of biological matter.

Researchers have long recognized the potential of biological materials, such as DNA, to store vast amounts of information in a compact and energy-efficient manner. DNA, for instance, is estimated to hold over 200 petabytes of data per gram. The new research focuses on sequence-derived oligourethanes (SDOs), polymers constructed from four distinct monomers. The specific sequence of these monomers dictates the information encoded within the SDO.

In a demonstration of the technology’s capabilities, the team successfully stored an 11-character password within an SDO molecule. The stored information is retrieved through a process called differential pulse voltammetry, which decodes the monomer sequence as the molecule is broken down in a controlled environment.

While the current “reading” process takes approximately 11 hours, the research team is focused on accelerating this crucial step. Future efforts will concentrate on integrating these polymers with integrated circuits, allowing computer chips to directly read the stored information.

This breakthrough holds immense promise for the future of data storage, potentially leading to smaller, more energy-efficient, and more resilient storage solutions than currently available. This research underscores the continued importance of exploring biological avenues for advanced technological solutions.

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