Bitcoin seems to be every where. I recently came across a novel application of bitcoin that is use of bitcoin blockchain for publication industry.
Here is the link.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-00447-9tamper-proof records have obvious uses in science for safe error free and smooth data management. Researchers are now trying to create such systems using blockchains.
Himmelstein a researcher developed Manubot, a software automates the process of collating, formatting and publishing the scientific paper. Each time an author creates a version of the manuscript, the software logs that event on the Bitcoin blockchain.
Manubot uses OpenTimestamp, a free-to-use, open-source service that records time stamps in batches in Bitcoin transactions.
Another interesting service is ScienceMatters .. this is the first publication service which actually pay reviewers for their work on meticulously reviewing manuscripts.
That too in form of crypto currency.
Artifacts is another very useful platform where researchers can share their researches, or anything else in a way that each file logged to a blockchain. Users can set permissions so that their uploads are private, public or available to collaborators.
Such knowledge sharing modules will help making research more accessible, more collaborative and more rewarding and also faster and easier to publish..
Another interesting thing i read is how blockchain technology can reduce the cost of medical research.
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/12/how-blockchain-can-cut-the-cost-of-new-medicine/estimated average cost-per-day of a delayed clinical trial is $300,000, as based on Tufts and ACRPNet studies.
There is gigabytes of data. Health background genomics data and more.
There are 20-30 odd institutions working together around the globe. Different population groups, and huge cache of data to collect and evaluate.Also there is need for a system to securely share and access sensitive patient data
So there is so much at risk. We need a transparent fast and systematic data collection and evaluation system.
This is where Blockchain fits in for creating tamper-proof records. Providing efficient and fast system for data management and manage collaborations.
Blockchains could save upto 150-200 million dollars for pharmaceutical industries...and possible this saving could translate to lower costs of medicines for patients as well..
