The Medium is the Message: A New Medium, A New Message The medium determines the message, which is constantly modified and transformed in communication. This phenomenon has occurred with every advancement in computing. Marshall McLuhan argued that systems based on electronics are an extension of our nervous system; therefore, any development in this field directly impacts that area. This dynamic influences how we communicate in the internet age. Advances aimed at improving speed, security, and other emerging technologies respond to an intrinsic need: the demand for rapidity and efficiency. This need, in turn, impacts our own cognitive and nervous system, affecting us directly. A new medium generates a new message that, consequently, transforms the nature of the environment to which it belongs. A paradigmatic example is DNA, which acts as a language through which life encodes information in a durable, resistant, and stable manner. This characteristic allows data to be transmitted over time, as long as one or more carriers survive. This process can be compared to blockchain: as long as at least one copy of the chain exists, the information will endure. DNA data storage represents one of the most effective ways to transmit and preserve information long-term. Among its most notable characteristics is extreme miniaturization, which enables a natural form of steganography: the "password" is integrated into the genetic material itself, combining elements of possession (what I have), knowledge (what I know), and exclusivity (what only I can read or access). This adds an additional layer of security inherent to the biological medium. From TAPEDNA, we propose a DNA storage system inspired by offline mesh networks, where the foundation is fundamentally biological: DNA as the new data medium. Although numerous projects exist in this field, our approach is based on lessons from biohacking culture. We use already available technological elements—such as affordable DNA synthesizers, portable genetic readers, and adapted CRISPR tools—and modify them to make them accessible to anyone who needs this storage medium. The main objective is to reduce technical requirements for the end user, democratizing the technology just as happened in the early days of computing or in other emerging areas, where access was limited to experts. In this way, any individual could create and manage their own DNA storage system: encoding personal data into synthetic genetic sequences, storing them in compact physical media (such as vials or capsules), and recovering them only when necessary, through intermittent and secure connections. This not only promotes privacy and resilience against digital failures, but also opens doors to applications in archiving, digital genetic inheritance, and environments with limited connectivity. Our Proposal It consists of using a minimum volume of digital information, in the range of 5 MB to 16 MB, for cost reasons and viability for subsequent processes. Any type of file (image, music, video, document) within this range is acceptable. We recommend encrypting files before sending them for packaging. Subsequent encryption allows the storage form to be secure and completely anonymous, since payments for the service can be made with cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin. Likewise, it can be an option for art or for leaving a message that will last a lifetime, without the need for encryption. Packaging consists of taking the data, encrypted or not, and converting it to binary to facilitate transcription to quaternary base for DNA synthesis. At this stage, it is necessary to perfect the algorithm and establish a common standard. Subsequently, the DNA sequences will be synthesized from the physical base. It is important to clarify that these sequences do not produce any code or protein, nor interact with any organism; they are simply DNA without biological functionality, added in a unique way. In the first phase of packaging, content is transferred from the digital world to the physical world, giving information the permanence and resistance that DNA possesses, attributes that digital systems cannot guarantee on their own. In the second phase, a form of physical handling is provided to the DNA for its transport and subsequent use. What is TAPEDNA? It is a new medium or message based on something that, over the years, has been able to maintain information in a way that no other transmission medium achieves. DNA is a chemical chain composed of four bases that, in its simple structure, creates and maintains all life. Thanks to its properties, it can store or function as a historical record of what was or how it was. This is the context for DNA storage: if the first papers date from the 1960 and the first major implementations occurred in 2013, our approach is based on a different consortium than those existing. Our purpose is distinct: to create a protocol or system, similar to TCP/IP, to store and recover data personally or through third parties, as the user requires. This text shows the result of the convergence of different technologies to give rise to new messages. It is not about solving errors or problems of systems already in use, but about offering an alternative that everyone can consider useful. Implementation of Tools and Technologies Advances in DNA synthesis allow creating chains of relatively short length for various applications in the food, biotechnology, materials, medical, and even oil industries, where modified organisms are used for fermentation in biodiesel production. It is used to manufacture chains that can encode data and store it securely. To ensure security, all synthesized chains are analyzed beforehand to anticipate any risk. In the case of those encoding data, they do not produce sequences that can generate proteins, hormones, or other compounds. Although it is possible to synthesize DNA on demand, the cost is high and secure, stable data storage is limited. The amount of data a person can store with the cost of a single TAPEDNA implementation is reduced. However, this option remains the best or only one for certain cases. As with any technology, the first uses are expensive, but decrease as the number of users or applications increases. If you select a digital file (photo, music, image, etc.) of any format, it is converted from binary base to quaternary, producing a simple DNA chain that is synthesized. Although there are a large number of algorithms to convert files to DNA, it is necessary to have a standard. It is also necessary to define what type of storage is desired: public or private, which will require encryption or not. With this, at the time of synthesis, it is guaranteed that no one will be able to read or access the information, allowing it to be sent for synthesis or packaging with any available service. Due to the current advance of quantum computing, we choose to implement post-quantum encryption systems. Once synthesized, DNA can be stored in the most diverse ways. This is where biohacking fulfills a function: allowing the use of minimum resources to create storage forms that meet different requirements according to user needs, whether of a biological, synthetic nature, or a mixture of both that help the resistance of both the DNA and the support itself. Considering that the same methodologies as traditional computer systems can be used to store information, different configurations of stacks or disconnected networks can be created. Recovery This is the part that may require more work, both on the part of those implementing the system and the users. Being a new field that combines several technologies, this requires certain technical preparation on the part of the user. Ideally, in a final implementation, it should require minimal technical knowledge and skills. We are returning to earlier times where storage capacity and necessary machines were enormous and costs accessible only to a few companies. In this case it is a bit different, since with continued use the cost will drop significantly. Currently, different existing platforms and techniques can be used to recover information: sequencers, whose price ranges from a few thousand to thousands of dollars. A brief introduction to these equipments: the most modern models have reduced their size and complexity of use, increasing sequencing speed. For example, the most advanced can sequence the complete genome of a human in one day. In this field, many specific hardware can be developed for this use. Today there are machines that, while perfectly meeting the requirements for this purpose, are not entirely perfect, but are the closest to ideal currently. The optimal would be to have continuous use of recovery without the need to constantly replenish consumables. Open Protocol Decision Since it was not possible to materialize a physical prototype, despite efforts to design the most economical and viable solution possible, the necessary funding was not obtained. For this reason, we decided to make our protocol available so that the reality described in this text can materialize through various forms of implementation. Although we tried to finance the project in different ways without success, we consider it preferable to share it openly so that anyone interested can collaborate and move this proposal forward. Finally, we want to highlight that the ultimate purpose of this project is to replicate what nature has created: a system where data endures as long as life itself on Earth. #TAPEDNA #DNAStorage #Biohacking #Nostr #OpenSource #Decentralized #FutureTech