Erbgut

Groß auf kleinstem Raum / Big data in a small space

Dylan McGuire

September / September - 2021

Hochschule für Gestaltung Offenbach

Diplom

Description

Erbgut is a decentralized data storage device that can store large amounts of data for up to 1,000 years in a very small space via the storage medium deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Data consists of a binary code that can be translated into DNA nucleic bases using technology, whereby a single drop of DNA has a storage capacity of 200 exabytes. Stowed away in a small capsule, this large amount of data can be passed down from generation to generation using genetic material. This gives physical heritage a completely new metaphysical dimension: heirs can view the history of their ancestors on the one hand and record their own for posterity on the other. Thus, Erbgut shows a way how knowledge can be continuously preserved in the future and makes it accessible for posterity. So that even the smallest story of our great history is not forgotten.