Encoding Information in the Dna
Autor: viki • November 5, 2011 • Essay • 915 Words (4 Pages) • 1,563 Views
The recent past has seen an earth-shattering amount of research in the field of molecular biology. is The discovery of the DNA changed the way people thought about the living organism. It led to the discovery of stem cells, which is already a potent life saver. Aside from the medical advances that it would spawn, the structure and working of the DNA can create staggering differences to life as we see it today.
Encoding Information in the DNA
The human genome consists of the equivalent of approximately 750 MB of data. Interestingly only about 3% of DNA goes into composing the genes that make us what we are. Recent experiments demonstrate that the remaining 97% free storage space can be used to store virtually any kind of information, from bank account numbers to property details that demand a high amount of secrecy.
In an era where every memory has influences and inspired the scientific community in a big way the possibility of unlimited space, given the burgeoning population, can make way for huge scientific and technological breakthroughs.
By 2040, DNA chips would become the norm and supercomputing facilities will all be based on these life cells. It even could be used in to send military codes across borders. Finally our machines would be given ‘life'!
Encoding the information while the DNA is still in the body (without the extra information affecting the functioning of the body) is an easy enough extrapolation of the current results. This would then become a highly secure mode of saving confidential information that is naturally replicated within the body.
Everything from a Swiss bank account number, details of one's next big patent to one's last will and testament will be completely secret. (information can be retrieved even after the body dies)
Picture PERFECT 2040
As our understanding of the DNA increases, so does the potential to exploit that knowledge. If the exact sequence in the DNA that controls a particular organ is found, all kinds of disabilities can be overcome and improper functioning of organs repaired.
Soon, beauty will not just be skin deep, but DNA deep!
We would even be able to ‘transplant' intelligence by correcting errors in the DNA sequence that controls the brain and determines cognitive reasoning.
Everyone would be perfect in the revolutionary 2040. We could then start to worry about the real problems like the purpose and origin of life.
Everyone's HAPPY in 2040
Another active research area that is subject to keen interest is the brain. One main reason for such avid interest is the scientists' belief that if the brain is understood, it can be used to build
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