Can Blockchain be the Answer to Genetic Sequencing?
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A blockchain is a networked system which works like a database. In this database, data is stored and maintained. Usually used for personal or corporate systems, blockchains can also be used for medical purposes like keeping health records of patients.
New patent applications are being introduced by various blockchain technology companies to use the energy that is expended during cryptocurrency mining for sequencing of generic data. Studies have shown that RNA and DNA make up the molecules of nucleobases. This molecule contains the genetic information within each and every living being on the planet. The typical physical traits like an animal, plant or person can be determined by looking at the sequence of these bases.
Many blockchain technology companies are planning to come forward and offer blockchain based solutions in the field of genetic sequencing. HashCash, a California based blockchain products and service providers, are planning to build a common platform for genetic sequencing research using blockchain. Blockchain based platform for genetic sequencing will help in the monitoring and choosing of the therapy selection after the disease risk profiling of the individual. Through genetic sequencing medical experts can analyze and support patients with a risk of genetic disease at present or in the near future.
Raj Chowdhury, Managing Director at HashCash, says, “ It is fascinating to see that the idea of genetics is digitalized. With blockchain, modern biology is becoming similar to information technology. Blockchain platform promises implementation of advanced genetic sequencing which will tell the story of our evolution from the data hidden in our genomes.”
HashCash aims at allowing scientists to separate the DNA of an individual and identify the DNA by allotting different codes through this blockchain based platform. Based on these codes, scientists and medical experts can detect the common DNA of patients suffering from cancer, diabetics or chronic heart disease. This platform will be a blessing for people across the globe as with DNA sequencing it is possible for early detection of medical condition they might face in future.
Pros of genetic sequencing through Blockchain
The advantages of genetic sequencing is of paramount importance while taking vital life decisions. By implementing blockchain in genetic sequencing, the medical world can reap immense benefits. Here is a short preview of it… Have a look!
- Genetic sequencing helps in the accurate diagnosis of any disease, without wasting time and money in unnecessary investigations
- Genetic sequencing assists the medical experts on offering proper guidance and therapy to people, keeping in mind their history of genetic diseases.
- Through genetic sequencing, excellent surveillance is possible which helps in the early detection and cure of the disease.
- Genetic sequencing is proved to be highly beneficial for future family planning.
The combination of genetic sequencing and blockchain technology is not actually new. Projects based on cryptocurrency has already highlighted that how the energy exhaustive mining process can be used for scientific purposes. Already new types of transactions are added to the blockchain with new coins being minted as a reward.
The genetic sequence mining platform will actually use a nucleobase sequencing unit to establish the sequence of nucleobases in a provided sample. Then this can be verified by the blockchain before it is being saved permanently on it.
Source: https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/18/08/r12261048/hashcash-gets-into-genetic-sequencing-with-blockchain-technology
