In 2018, a PhD student in microbiology encoded and stored the information of a crypto wallet in a synthetic DNA chainSynthetic DNA is artificial, but inspired by the genetic content of living beings. The interesting thing about DNA is that it is very similar to a code like the one used in computers. In fact, its mission is to store information about the characteristics of living beings. So there is a similarity between DNA and blockchain chains, which is why some scientists have had the Curious to know if Bitcoin blocks are compatible with a genetic DNA chain.
It all happened thanks to a challenge that combined genetic science with BTCThis challenge began in 2015, when a researcher at the European Bioinformatics Institute, by name Nick Goldman, developed a presentation speculating about the use of DNA for different types of information. Among the types of information that could be shared through this DNA were found the key to a digital wallet, which contained 1 BTC.
The challenge was as follows: Goldman distributed DNA encoded with the Bitcoin sequence in three tubes.. If someone managed to make a correct DNA sequence to decode the files embedded in the genetic sequence, then he could keep that BitcoinIn 2015, when this challenge emerged, Bitcoin was worth $200. But year after year, the value of this cryptocurrency rose, until in 2018 it surpassed $6, becoming a juicy prize that many tried to win.
The challenge was called DNA Storage Bitcoin Challenge
Nick Goldman set a three-year limit for awarding the prize.. So, with only a few months left until the deadline, Goldman tweeted a reminder: which was widely discussed throughout 2018. The tweet was read by a PhD student in microbiology at the University of Antwerp, named Sander Wuyts.A doctoral student who got curious enough to look into the DNA puzzle to try to locate Bitcoin.
The truth is that Sander Wuyts had several advantages: his PhD in microbiology, computer science, so he had access to quite sophisticated tools, such as software and laboratory equipment for sequencing a genome. Therefore, he did not hesitate to request a sample of the DNA that Goldman had arranged in the test tubes. In addition, Goldman himself left some explanations to decipher the code: using a binary text file and rewriting it in base 3. Why? Well, for two important reasons:
- Blockchain sequences and codes for Bitcoins They are written in a binary language.
- However, four elements are present in DNA chains: cytosine, thymine, adenine, and guanineA four-element code is represents with ternary file (one digit less, that's why it's based on 3).
- In a very simplified way, we can say that The DNA sequence is written in a ternary system, which can be analogous to that of computersHowever, it turns out that computer systems use a binary language. So the solution to a possible "translation of DNA into BTC code" lies in converting a binary language to a ternary one.
In the challenge DNA Storage Bitcoin Challenge, there was a total of nine files on the DNA fragments synthesized by Nick Goldman. Each of these files was encrypted with a keystream, giving the challenge participants the keystream code. Once these files were released, Sander Wuyts He was able to find the logical sequence to create a kind of genome that contained information other than the phenotype and physical characteristics of a living being. That new chain showed the Blockchain of a Bitcoin.
A challenge won that opens a world of new opportunities for cryptocurrencies
When Sander Wuyts won this challenge in 2018, he not only received a Bitcoin as a reward. The method he used generated waves of positive feedback, as He used tools used to decipher genomes in an advanced wayIn turn, Wuyts demonstrated that once the Bitcoin code is assembled with the structure of DNA, it's very easy to read. It's not a code that requires complex computers, but at the same time, it's extremely secure.
But, this has other considerations. The cryptocurrency blockchain can adapt to the DNA of certain people. This is how it becomes possible for an individual's own DNA to function as a crypto wallet. Cryptocurrencies are completely linked to a person's DNA, so they cannot be stolen. In turn, It is obvious who owns these digital currencies.. But this has another side effect: you can carry your Bitcoins with you! Literally! In your own genetic sequence, without fear of losing them or being hacked!
This type of technology already exists. For example, in Bank digital readers that are activated with a fingerprint, or with the sequence of iris or retina of people. However, these are readers that can certainly store some kind of information. In this case, we are talking about the possibility of a more advanced biological reader. It is not only a reader, but a way to store information with your own human genetic sequence.
Is this technology that combines DNA and crypto already possible? No! But, a Bitcoin has already been decoded from a synthetic DNA strand. It's a first step! However, it shows the possibility of sequencing DNA for share information that has now been disclosed through information technology.
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Perhaps we are on the threshold of an era where computer science and biology merge. And perhaps this symbiosis will happen thanks to cryptocurrencies, which have become much more than simple digital currencies, if not a excuse for advanced experimentation.
