SARS-CoV-2

That’s the complete SARS-CoV-2 genome on punched tape.

I’m auctioning off a roll of it here. All proceeds go to Direct Relief which is currently providing COVID-19 relief. Bidding obviously starts at $19.99, and better get in quick “‘cuz like they say, oops out of time.”

Also: free shipping!

The genome was printed using the same paper tape machine and encoding that I used for my attempt to print the human genome. Compared the human genome though, SARS-CoV-2 is a sneaky little bastard with only 30,000 bases. Even with a very inefficient encoding that punches one base per line, the tape is only around 250 feet long (75 meters) stretched out and 5 inches (12 cm) in diameter when rolled up.

So yeah, finally you can get yourself COVID-19 over the internet! Stick it in an airtight display case. Shower it in Lysol. Burn it. Whatever. It’s for a good cause.