Scientists turn DNA into a memory device that uses 100x less power
Researchers combined synthetic DNA with a semiconductor to create an ultra-low-power memory device capable of storing and processing information in the same place. The bio-hybrid technology could eventually help make AI systems and next-generation computers far more energy efficient.
Scientists have created a memory device that uses DNA and perovskite semiconductors to store information with significantly lower power consumption. DNA, known for its dense data storage capabilities, can hold up to 215 million gigabytes in a single gram. Researchers from Penn State developed a bio-hybrid system by combining synthetic DNA and perovskite, a semiconductor used in technologies like solar cells and data storage devices.
The key innovation lies in the synthesis of DNA sequences tailored for specific electronic requirements and the integration of silver nanoparticles with perovskite films. This combination results in a memristor, a type of memory resistor that can retain information even after the power source is removed. Unlike traditional resistors, memristors can remember the direction of past electrical current, allowing for simultaneous storage and processing of data.
The researchers believe this bio-hybrid system could pave the way for more efficient data centers, faster processing, and neuromorphic computing systems that mimic brain function while consuming significantly less power. Practical commercial applications, however, would still require sufficient storage capacity and electrical power to prevent costs and inefficiencies.
The team's achievement demonstrates the potential of bio-hybrid materials to revolutionize low-power memory devices and support the growing demand for artificial intelligence technologies.
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