UK Scientists Created ‘Eternal’ 5D Crystal That Can Hold Human DNA For Billions of Years

Scientists at the University of Southampton have made a groundbreaking achievement by storing the entire human genome on a 5D memory crystal. This revolutionary data storage method could last for billions of years, preserving important information about humanity for future generations — or even other lifeforms.

The 5D memory crystal was developed by the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) at the University of Southampton. It can hold up to 360 terabytes of data in the largest size without degrading, even in extreme conditions like high temperatures or cosmic radiation. Unlike traditional storage formats, the crystal uses two optical dimensions and three spatial coordinates, making it incredibly durable and long-lasting.

5D Crystal: A Time Capsule for the Future of Humanity

The team behind the project hopes the 5D crystal will act as a “blueprint” that could help bring back humanity or endangered species if science allows in the future. Currently, it’s not possible to recreate humans, plants, or animals from genetic information alone, but the crystal could store this data until technology advances enough to make it possible.

Professor Peter Kazansky, who led the research, explained that they designed the crystal with a visual key so that any future civilization could understand the data it holds. The key includes information on DNA’s basic structure and elements, making it easier for someone in the distant future to decode the information.

“That means some future civilisation (or even aliens!) could discover the crystals and use them to learn all about us, long after we’re gone. It’s like the ultimate time capsule for important knowledge,” Professor Peter Kazansky told BBC Newsround.

Enduring Legacy

The 5D crystal is stored in the Memory of Mankind archive, a time capsule located in a salt cave in Hallstatt, Austria. The material can survive being frozen, put in a fire, and even in temperatures of 1000 degrees. Its incredible durability means it could last billions of years, offering a record of humanity long after we’re gone. This technology could not only preserve our species but also protect the genetic information of endangered plants and animals.

Professor Kazansky says, “It’s like having a memory that can never be forgotten.” With this discovery, the future of preserving human knowledge and genetic material just became a lot more promising.