Researchers at the University of Southampton have made a breakthrough discovery, inscribing the complete human genome into a “5D memory crystal.” This extremely durable material can withstand extreme conditions such as temperatures of up to 1,000°C, cosmic radiation and direct impacts. As a result, it can survive for billions of years.  

Scientists hope that the genome encoded in the crystal can contribute to the revival of humanity after global disasters. The technology could also be used to preserve the genomes of endangered plant and animal species.  

The crystal, developed by a team led by Professor Peter Kazanski, has already been placed in the Memory of Mankind underground archive in Austria, where information about modern human civilization is stored.  

Photo: University of Southampton