Core Viewpoint - The research team from the University of Texas at Austin has developed a new method for data storage using synthetic polymer molecules, marking the first attempt to write information into plastic and read it using electrical signals [1][2]. Group 1: New Storage Technology - The new encoding method utilizes four different monomers, analogous to the four nucleotides in DNA, to create a chain-like polymer that can represent 256 different characters [2]. - The research demonstrated the effectiveness of this method by synthesizing a polymer with an 11-character password, which was successfully decoded using electrochemical spectroscopy [2]. - The current decoding process requires the polymer to be degraded, allowing for only one-time reading, and the decoding speed is slow, taking 2.5 hours for the 11-character sequence [2]. Group 2: Advantages of Polymer Data Storage - Polymer data storage expands the range of storage media, offering advantages such as lightweight, low cost, high capacity, low energy consumption, and environmental friendliness [3]. - In specific conditions, certain plastic oligomers can provide longer data retention compared to magnetic and optical media, and they can be recycled or biodegradable, reducing electronic waste [3]. Group 3: Ongoing Research in Information Storage - Other new technologies in information storage are being explored, such as a four-dimensional information storage technology based on diamond point defects, which promises high density and long maintenance-free lifespan [4]. - Research on glass as a storage medium has led to the development of glass hard drives with ten times the capacity of existing optical discs [4]. - Advances in multi-dimensional optical storage technology have achieved data storage in multiple layers, with current capabilities reaching 100 layers and potential future developments aiming for 1000 layers [4].