---
title: "We Can Now Store Data in the Form of a Powder"
description: "Researchers from Ghent University have figured out a way to store data in a powder, and it could help us move away from magnetic storage solutions."
date: "2018-10-31"
modified: "2018-10-31"
authors:
  - name: "Kristin Houser"
    link: "https://futurism.com/authors/kristin"
url: "https://futurism.com/the-byte/store-data-powder"
categories:
  - "Chemistry"
  - "Science & Energy"
tags:
  - "chemistry"
  - "data"
  - "data storage"
  - "the digest"
---

# We Can Now Store Data in the Form of a Powder

![Researchers from Ghent University have figured out a way to store data in a powder, and it could help us move away from magnetic storage solutions.](<https://futurism.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/store-data-powder.png>)
*\<em\>Image: Adrien Olichon\</em\>*

## Data Powder

Data might be the [most valuable resource](<https://futurism.com/its-official-fossil-fuels-are-no-longer-the-worlds-most-valuable-resource>) in the world, but we're quickly approaching the [physical limits](<https://futurism.com/category/science-news>) of the magnetic systems we use to store most of it. Additionally, [mining the materials](<https://www.technologyreview.com/s/423730/the-rare-earth-crisis/>) needed to create those systems, such as hard drives or USB sticks, is a burden on the environment.

Given all that, it's not surprising that finding new ways to store data is a top research priority. Now, a team from Ghent University thinks it may have figured out a promising new medium: powder.

## Written in Code

In a [paper](<https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-018-06926-3>) published in the journal *Nature Communications*, the team describes the process of storing small amounts of information, such as a bit of text or a QR code, in a powder.

Using a chemical process they developed, the team figured out a way to translate information into the chemical signature of a sequence-defined macromolecule, which is a type of molecule with a specific chain length and defined groups. They then wrote [two computer algorithms](<https://github.com/chemstore>). One automates the process of translating the data into its chemical form and vice versa. The other program ensures this process happens quickly.

As a result of these efforts, they were able to produce powders that contained links to websites and apps.

## Data Everywhere

This isn't the first unusual storage medium for data we've come across — researchers are figuring out ways to store data in everything from [DNA](<https://futurism.com/scientists-have-stored-2-mb-of-data-in-a-single-speck-of-dna>) to [diamonds](<https://futurism.com/eternal-storage-scientists-have-found-a-way-to-store-data-within-diamonds>).

Ultimately, most of these new mediums are still a long way from being ready to replace the ones currently hosting the world's data. But given that our production of data is [shows no signs of slowing down](<https://www.domo.com/learn/data-never-sleeps-5?aid=ogsm072517_1&sf100871281=1>), neither can our efforts to find better storage mediums.

**READ MORE:** [A USB Stick? In the Distant Future, a Little Powder Should Suffice](<https://www.ugent.be/en/news-events/data-research-ghent-student-qr.htm>) \[Ghent University\]

***More on data storage: [Scientists Have Stored 2 MB of Data in a Single Speck of DNA](<https://futurism.com/scientists-have-stored-2-mb-of-data-in-a-single-speck-of-dna>)***

### Author social links  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinjhouser>)