Own A Copy Of The Human Genome
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"In an attempt to preserve the knowledge gained from the Human Genome Project, NanoRosetta created a project to distribute copies of DNA. "
In an attempt to preserve the knowledge gained from the Human Genome Project which completed sequencing of the entire human genome in 2003, NanoRosetta created a Kickstarter project aiming to distribute copies of the genome to 80 Custodians spanning every continent. The genome is printed on five nickel discs using nanotechnology.
NanoRosetta Uses Nanotechnology for Long Term Analog Data Storage
NanoRosetta argues that the analog print is necessary for long term storage of the data, predicting that the discs will last for 10,000 years. While digital copies of the 130 books worth of information can be easily stored, they can only be read by software and hardware that could become lost and obsolete. To illustrate this point, the University of Lanceister actually printed the human genome in 130 volumes of 300 pages each, demonstrating that traditional analog archiving would require a whole room to store this volume of data. They estimate that the genome would take about 95 years to read cover to cover.
Seeking 80 People on Every Continent to Preserve Copies of Human Genome
In addition to storing this valuable information, the discs will make unique art pieces for the 80 Custodians. To obtain a copy, those interested must donate at least $1,250 to the project. Smaller donations can be made to receive recognition as a Noted Supporter. At the time of writing, the project is backed by 14 people who contributed $1,521 toward the goal of $100,000. The remaining funds must be donated in the next 39 days to keep the project going.
Carnegie Mellon University Moon Art Project Will Carry Human Genome in Lunar Lander
In collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University's Moon Art Project, one disc set will be packed into their lunar lander and sent to the moon by 2015. The moon's lack of atmosphere and liquid water makes it an ideal location to preserve the genome copy for a much longer period of time by minimizing any wear and erosion.
Additional Copies of Human Genome Will Be Donated to Archiving Organizations
Copies of the genome will also be donated to organizations such as the Long Now Foundation and the Internet Archive. NanoRosetta intends to distribute so many copies of the genome throughout the world and on the moon in order to protect the information from single-point failure in which a single natural disaster could wipe out the data.
The project will theoretically allow for the reconstruction of a human being after the event of human extinction. The discs can be retrieved using a metallurgical microscope, and sufficiently advanced biotechnology could reconstruct the sequence out of real DNA.
NanoRosetta also teamed up with the Long Now Foundation on a nanotechnology archiving project to preserve all human languages. The Rosetta Disk stores 13,000 pages of information and spans 1,500 languages.
Derek is currently blogging for GTL DNA, a paternity testing site. When he is not blogging or working, he enjoys relaxing with his family and golfing.
Category: General Health, Medicine
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