How Blockchain is Transforming the Landscape of Biomedical Research

The lack of a streamlined and extensive healthcare system in India became evident during COVID-19. The pandemic wreaked havoc on the population, with millions succumbing to the disease without quality healthcare services. 

The middle, low, and marginalized classes were the most hit groups, based in rural areas devoid of basic healthcare services such as oxygen, vaccines, and sanitary products. 

Alongside the apparent faults in the healthcare system, the lack of research severely impacted the pandemic in India, with biologists, biomedical scientists, and other scientific professionals struggling to find a cure or preventive measure for the ongoing pandemic. All the efforts went in vain, as millions had already lost their lives. 

Among all the battles that were fought during the pandemic, one initiative revolutionized the way of fighting the pandemic. Blockchain technology users and crypto owners came forward to liquidate the digital currency and provide support for those who were affected by the pandemic. Post-pandemic, the initiatives still hold value because of their noble intent of supporting biomedical research to strengthen the medical field. 

Today, let’s learn more about the role of blockchain in the landscape of biomedical research.

The Current Challenges in Biomedical Research

Biomedical research involves the study of human physiology and the treatment or understanding of a disease. It employs the principles of the physical sciences in medicine, usually taken by biomedical scientists and other scientific professionals. 

There are a myriad of challenges when it comes to biomedical research in contemporary times. 

To begin with, inaccurate or inadequate statistical data is a main source of trouble when it comes to providing accurate solutions. Biomedical research requires accurate and adequate data from medical practitioners, hospitals, patients, and other relevant sources for the purpose to be achieved. In developing countries like India, data is not stored and preserved enough, which hinders biomedical research. 

To follow, the non-responsiveness of respondents is another cause of the struggle for quality biomedical research. Research requires a sincere commitment from respondents (patients) during the long process. On a general scale, patients are scared to commit to research, and this results in a lack of information and data on the concern. 

Furthermore, lack of finance is another pivotal reason that brings trouble to research, as it is a financial-intensive journey. Biomedical research usually comprises exploring costly types of equipment that add to the burden, unlike other research that can be undertaken with economical banking options. Hence, a lack of financial resources has the potential to make the efforts of biomedical research futile and lead to the non-accomplishment of its purpose.

Another main concern when it comes to biomedical research is data privacy. As the research collects large amounts of human data, including genomic, genetic, and personal health data, storing and transferring becomes arduous. 

The Role of Blockchain in Biomedical Research

To fix the above-mentioned concerns, blockchain technology could be strategically implemented to avoid mishaps.

Blockchain is a digitally shared ledger encrypted by complex cryptographic algorithms, thus ensuring tamper-proof transactions. 

Features of data provenance, decentralization, and immutability are at the core of blockchain technology, which aids in the protection of data against privacy breaches and exploitation. 

When it comes to healthcare, blockchain technology can be used in a multitude of ways, including supply chain management, patient-centric data sharing, and secure and trustable clinical data. 

The data sharing concern in biomedical research can be solved by incorporating blockchain, which will better help in drug testing and treatments to cure diseases. The retrieval and integrity of collected data are on a large scale when research is concerned and can be ensured by blockchain technology. 

Conclusion: 

Blockchain offers potential benefits including lower transaction costs, improved cash flow, security of data, and much more. Instead of implying blockchain as a financial transactional model, it can be implemented in various fields and customized to individual needs. 

In this way, problems can be solved effectively and time can be spent on trials, creating, and discovering instead of worrying about privacy and security. 

‍