Blockchain Provides a Facility for the Transfer and Storage of Genetic Information: How Can We Benefit From Using This Technology?

Both from a medical and social point of view, genetic information has a special importance in the modern world. The volume of processed and stored genetic information grows yearly and the information in itself is important for consumers, scientists and doctors.

DNA can be used to diagnose the relationship between complex diseases by establishing the identity of the particular symptom. DNA enables us to judge our fallibility to diseases, evaluate risk, and even predict the approximate life expectancy of a person. Of course, this type of information has a wide usage, and not always with legitimate objectives. DNA information can be misused for various abuses such as crime concealment, inheritance fraud, blackmail, etc. Thus, in the modern world there is growing need for a technology that can ensure maximum confidentiality of the stored data, but even the most sophisticated storage systems cannot always protect data from hacking and theft. The damage from the theft of medical and genetic information in the US alone exceeds $6.2 billion per year.

To correct this situation, blockchain technology can be used for storing and transferring genetic information. Efficiency, confidentiality and security are the key aspects of blockchain that medical institutions can use when storing and processing genetic information. Blockchain not only provides real protection for these patients, but also expands the horizons of scientific research in the field of genetics and creates an optimal space for scientific exchange. It is no accident that international organizations, including the World Alliance of Genomics and Health support the use of the blockchain for the everyday practice of genetic research.