DeSci (Decentralized Science) is becoming a new trend in the Web3 field, applying blockchain technology to revolutionize scientific research. By storing transparent and decentralized data, DeSci emphasizes transparency, cost-saving, and democratizing science.
What is DeSci?
In the traditional research model, power is concentrated in management and funding units, leading to unfairness and lack of transparency. DeSci, using blockchain technology, aims to overcome this weakness by:
- Enhancing transparency in data management.
- Helping scientists easily access funding sources.
- Ensuring intellectual property rights.
DeSci aims to build an open research ecosystem where the community can participate and contribute democratically.
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Why was DeSci born?
The traditional scientific system is facing many challenges:
- Difficulty in obtaining funding.
- Lack of support for young scientists.
- Limited data access, with power concentrated in large publishers.
Example: The Nature journal charges up to $11,000 per publication!
The Open Science movement has emerged to address this, but it has created other limitations:
- Many journals have shifted to a pay-to-publish model.
- Power still belongs to publishers.
DeSci solves these problems thanks to the decentralization and transparency of blockchain.
What does Vitalik Buterin say about DeSci?
The Ethereum founder has expressed interest in DeSci in an interview:
"How can decentralized technologies improve science?"
Many large organizations, such as Coinbase, a16z, and Binance Labs, have invested heavily in this field.
Promising Potential and Applications of DeSci
1. Protecting Intellectual Property Rights
In traditional science, intellectual property rights often belong to funding entities, leading to many problems. DeSci creates an equitable environment by tokenizing scientific discoveries as Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). This allows scientists to:
- Confirm ownership.
- Protect intellectual assets from copying.
- Raise investment or license the use of their work.
2. Transparent Data Sharing
DeSci allows the management and storage of research data on the blockchain, increasing security and transparency. This data can:
- Be easily accessed by other researchers.
- Enhance international collaboration.
- Promote knowledge sharing within the community.
3. Transparent Funding and Cash Flow
Smart contracts on the blockchain help automate the funding process and make cash flows transparent. Researchers can crowdsource funding without intermediaries, while the community can track the use of resources.
4. Promoting Community Participation
DeSci creates opportunities for everyone to participate and contribute to research projects, leading to:
- Connecting global knowledge.
- Fostering diversity and creativity.
- Communitizing scientific research.
The DeSci Ecosystem
DeSci is classified into 4 main groups:
- Funding: VitaDAO, Molecule.
- Data: Data Lake, Galeon.
- Research: RejuveAI, Triall.
- Infra & Services: OriginTrail, ClinTex.
Comprehensive Solutions
- Bio.xyz: Supports biotech startups using Web3.
- DeSci Labs: Develops infrastructure to protect intellectual property.
- Gridcoin: Encourages contributing computer resources.
DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations)
- VitaDAO: Funds longevity research.
- AthenaDAO: Focuses on women's healthcare.
Fundraising
- Gitcoin: Raises funding for open-source projects.
- ViralCure: Funds community healthcare.
Publishing
- Atoms: Publishes transparent scientific research.
- Sci2Sci: Connects and shares research data.
Conclusion
DeSci is not only a trend but also the future of science. Blockchain helps create a transparent, fair, and efficient ecosystem.
The article DeSci - Decentralized Science: Potential, Applications, and Ecosystem first appeared on Coin79 - Crypto News and Investment Knowledge.