700 TB Data Packed In One Gram Of DNA!

 It's a new world record! Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, George Church and bioengineer Sri Kosuri have successfully managed to store 5.5 petabits of data, which is around 700 terabytes, in just one gram of DNA. The breakthrough science considers DNA like a digital storage device, where strands of DNA that store 96 bits are synthesised, with each of the bases (TGAC) representing a binary value (T and G = 1, A and C = 0), similar to the hard drive storing process where binary data is encoded as magnetic regions. 

The DNA data can be read by sequencing it. Each strand of DNA has a 19-bit address block at the start that can be converted back in to binary. According to an Extreme Tech report, “One gram of DNA can store 700 terabytes of data equivalent to 14,000 50-gigabyte Blu-ray discs! To store the same kind of data on hard drives, the densest storage medium in use today, you’d need 233 3TB drives, weighing a total of 151 kilos.”

The report further revealed that how DNA can be a great storing medium. “Firstly, the dense nature is of advantage as each bit of a storage medium holds space only for a few atoms large. Secondly, DNA is volumetric unlike its planar disk counterparts. Lastly, it seals the deal with its stability and longevity, as DNA can last hundreds and thousands of years.” 

The Top richest countries in the world, immigrats think about these countries for good life

Qatar has been ranked as the world's richest country per capita in a new list compiled by US-based Forbes magazine. Blessed with the third-largest natural gas reserves in the world, the Arab Gulf emirate of 1.7 million people is benefitting from a rebound in oil prices. Adjusted for purchasing power (PPP), Qatar has an estimated gross domestic product per capita of $88,222.

 

In second place on the list is Luxembourg, with a per capita GDP on a purchasing-power parity (PPP) basis of $81,466.

 

Technology, manufacturing and finance hub Singapore is ranked third on the list. The country’s GDP (PPP) per capita is $56,694 (estimated from 2009).

 

o rank the world’s wealthiest countries, Forbes looked at GDP per capita adjusted for purchasing power for 182 nations.

At No.4, with a GDP (PPP) per capita of $51,959 (estimated from 2009) is Norway.

Oil-rich Brunei (ranked at No.5) has a GDP (PPP) per capita of $48,333.
Forbes used International Monetary Fund data from 2010, the most recent available, while GDP figures for some countries were projections.

UAE oil reserves are ranked as the world's sixth-largest[ and it possesses one of the most developed economies in West Asia. The country’s GDP (PPP) per capita is $47,439 (estimated from 2009).

 

With a GDP (PPP) per capita of $46,860, US is ranked at No.7 on the Forbes list.
According to Forbes, the PPP-adjusted GDP—preferred by economists when making international comparisons—takes into account the relative cost of living and inflation rates, rather than just exchange rates, which may distort real differences in worth.

Hong Kong is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour. As one of the world's leading international financial centres, Hong Kong has a major capitalist service economy characterised by low taxation and free trade, and the currency, Hong Kong dollar, is the eighth most traded currency in the world. Hong Kong has a GDP (PPP) per capita of $45,944.

 

Switzerland is one of the richest countries in the world by per capita gross domestic product [GDP (PPP) per capita: $41,950]. It also has one of the world's largest account balances as a percentage of GDP.

 

The Netherlands was one of the world’s first countries to have an elected parliament. And the benefits of democracy seem to be reaching its citizens. Its GDP (PPP) per capita is $40,973.

 

A highly developed country, Australia is one of the world's largest economies. Australia ranks highly in many international comparisons of national performance, such as quality of life, health, education, economic freedom, and the protection of civil liberties and political rights. [GDP (PPP) per capita: $39,764]

 

Also known for its high standard of living, Austria is ranked at No 12 with GDP (PPP) per capita of $39,761.

 

Ireland: GDP (PPP) per capita: $39,492

 

Canada has a diversified economy that is reliant upon its abundant natural resources and upon trade. The country’s GDP (PPP) per capita is $39,171.

 

Kuwait (No.15) has the world's fifth largest oil reserves and its petroleum products now account for around 95% of export revenues, and approximately 80% of government income. Ranked at No.15, the country’s GDP (PPP) per capita is $38,775 (estimated from 2009).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UK to introduce interview system for foreign students from 30 July 2012

UK Border Agency officers will be given new powers to interview international students and refuse visas if they are not satisfied the applicant is genuine, Immigration Minister Damian Green has said.

The targeted interview system will be introduced on 30th July 2012, ahead of the summer surge in student applications. Officers will concentrate on uncovering abuse in countries where it has been most prevalent, UK Border Agency said.

Across the globe high-risk applicants will be identified and asked a number of questions about their immigration and education history, study and post-study plans, and financial circumstances.

The agency is expected to carry out up to 14,000 student applicant interviews next year.

“With more interviews and greater powers to refuse bogus students we will weed out abuse and protect the UK from those looking to play the system,” Immigration Minister Damian Green said.

He noted that the current system doesn’t allow UK Border Agency officers to refuse some applications even if they doubt the credibility of the student. “We are toughening up the system to keep out the fraudulent and unqualified while ensuring genuine students benefit from our country’s excellent education sector,” Mr. Green said. “Britain is open for business to the brightest and the best migrants but the message is clear – if you try to hide your true motivation for coming to the UK then you will be found out and refused a visa.”

Last year the UK Border Agency carried out an interviewing pilot to tackle concerns about the legitimacy of some applicants. More than 2,300 student visa applicants were interviewed in 13 overseas posts with the aim of testing how effective face-to-face interviews and new refusal powers would be – in addition to existing strict application processes that consider fraud and other factors.

Under the pilot around a fifth of applicants were refused entry to the UK following their interview. One of the main issues was the inability of interviewees to display the required level of English. Some were unable to answer basic questions in English without the aid of an interpreter - despite stating on their application forms that they had the necessary language qualifications to study at higher and further education institutions in the UK.

Agency officials indicated that they were concerned about the legitimacy of 32 per cent of the rest of those interviewed and could have turned down the visa if the power to refuse on genuineness was available. Around 60 per cent of these applicants were coming to study at a private higher or further education college, and 14 per cent at a university.

Other government measures to tighten up the immigration system have driven up the quality of the institutions wishing to bring in international students. Over 450 colleges are no longer able to bring in students from overseas.

The number of student visas issued has fallen by 21 per cent over the last year, UK Border Agency said.