Storing data encoded DNA in living organisms

Abstract

Current technologies allow the generation of artificial DNA molecules and/or the ability to alter the DNA sequences of existing DNA molecules. With a careful coding scheme and arrangement, it is possible to encode important information as an artificial DNA strand and store it in a living host safely and permanently. This inventive technology can be used to identify origins and protect R&D investments. It can also be used in environmental research to track generations of organisms and observe the ecological impact of pollutants. Today, there are microorganisms that can survive under extreme conditions. As well, it is advantageous to consider multicellular organisms as hosts for stored information. These living organisms can provide as memory housing and protection for stored data or information. The present invention provides well for data storage in a living organism wherein at least one DNA sequence is encoded to represent data and incorporated into a living organism.

1 - 34 . (canceled)  
     
     
         35 . A living organism, comprising: 
 a. DNA encoded to represent data to be decoded thereafter.    
     
     
         36 . A living organism as in  claim 35 , wherein said organism is a single-celled organism.  
     
     
         37 . A living organism as in  claim 36 , wherein said single-celled organism is a bacterial cell.  
     
     
         38 . A living organism as in  claim 37 , wherein said bacterial cell is  Deinococcus radians.    
     
     
         39 . A living organism as in  claim 37 , wherein said bacterial cell is a  Escherichia coli.