The Data Garden is GYOC’s flagship product. In the Data Garden we show not only how data can be encoded into DNA, but how it can be decoded and retrieved from a biological format.The space features data in a new tangible format, held within the DNA of the organisms that you see around you. The plants within the Data Garden are encoded with messages, and are decoded in real-time using DNA sequencing technologies. This harnesses state of the art DNA data science, a technology which has the potential to store all of the world's data in just 1 kg of DNA.
Working with nature to alleviate the threat of ‘Data Warming’, GYOC invites visitors to experience a new materiality around data. Explore a world in which data storage absorbs CO2. Where data can be shared through pollination. Where a data centre could grow data in your backyard.To do this, GYOC uses state of the art DNA sequencing equipment, which is able to read the genetic information of organisms and understand the composition of the ACGT molecules within. This involves threading strands of DNA through tiny apertures in a membrane, through which an electric current flows. As DNA bases pass, they disrupt the current in a characteristic way. This information is then processed using proprietary software to decode the messages to be displayed. We carefully select the DNA strands to ensure there is no harm to the plants we work with. While these methods are currently expensive and technically challenging, in the near future, reading and writing data in this manner will be accessible to all.
Step 1:
Extract sample from in-plantro storage subject
Step 2:
Perform polymerase chain reaction for random access of specific data files out of the plant genome
Step 3:
Reading of selected DNA data using nanopore technology
Imagine a world in which the local flower-shop was in fact a decentralised biological data-centre. Set within this environment, we explored the plants and their unique characteristics with each visitor, introduced them to scientific concepts and new possibilities to unlock deeper curiosity and provoke ethical considerations.Each visitor received a personal consultation from a data-growth expert, who guided them through the data-to-DNA-to-plant encoding process, converting uploaded files like JPEGs and mp3s into ACGTs and synthetic DNA. We used data prescriptions to explore people’s data requirements while educating them on the possibilities of using DNA based data storage, such as storage capacity, ultra-longevity and the ability to cross-pollinate or re-plant data.
Once we had helped the visitor select a plant, we visited the on-site lab, where a data scientist was on hand to demonstrate three laboratory techniques that could be used to encode synthetic DNA containing data, to an organism like a plant. The data scientist used the visitors’ prescription to decide upon a particular technique for data encoding, whilst explaining each of the possible techniques and their implications. Just before the insertion we deleted the files from our digital servers ensuring the client enjoys full ownership and privacy.Next, our data florist advised clients on how to care for their plant, to ensure their data could bloom and grow. We created a data-care card that lived with the plant, providing plant information and care instructions. Each visitor left with an encoded plant and a special download kit, allowing them to send us a sample of their plant, which we could use to read their data back when required.
Can the music industry be truly sustainable?Music streaming is part of a new problem threatening the planet known as ‘Data Warming’. Every stream uses energy. This means more CO2 being released into the atmosphere, accelerating the climate crisis.The footprint of digital streaming is surprisingly high. Researchers found that streams of a single song - ‘Despacito’ used as much electricity as the combined annual electricity consumption of five African nations. We need to question a culture of listening that expects instant access, infinite storage and constant use.Grow Your Own Cloud offers an alternative. Working in collaboration with nature we store music files in DNA. Music stored in this way can absorb carbon dioxide rather than emit it, remain in a format that never grows obsolete, and be shareable for generations.GYOC is interested in developing organic and plant-based music experiences with artists and organizations that are keen to promote truly sustainable music distribution.
The next evolution of music: CEEDMusic has evolved. Physical formats like vinyl and CD led to mountains of plastic waste. The switch to digital MP3s and streaming is leading to huge carbon emissions. What if the next evolution of music could be organic, tangible and carbon absorbing?CEED is the new truly green music format. It uses DNA data technology to store sound files in the genetic language of life. With CEED, your music grows. It can reproduce. It can bring natural beauty to your surroundings.GYOC is interested in developing CEED with like-minded artists and organizations, to offer the world a truly green format for music.
