Mapping the human genome has been compared with putting a man on the moon, but I believe it is more than that. This is the outstanding achievement not only of our lifetime, but in terms of human history. A few months ago I compared the project to the invention of the wheel. On reflection, it is more than that. I can well imagine technology making the wheel obsolete. But this code is the essence of mankind, and as long as humans exists, this code is going to be important and will be used (1), stated Thomas Michael Dexter, renowned English biochemist.
For those of you that are not aware of these concepts, genomics is a field of science that focuses on the structure, function, evolution, mapping and editing of genomes. A genome is the genetic material of an organism (a complete set of DNA, including all of its genes). Genomes are the sets that provide all of the information that the organism requires to function properly.
Research in this area has recently impacted numerous other fields of science - still, its most wide effect has been in healthcare.
Unfortunately, not everyone can process, interpret or use this data in order to improve their well being and do research or fight diseases. Moreover, genomic information (sometimes obtained through DNA tests) is often times sequenced by major companies and distributed to third parties, without the individuals’ consent - on one side, this makes corporations increase their profits; on the other side, it creates a vulnerability on the patient's’ side.
Your genome sequence will become a vital part of your medical record, thereby providing critical information about how to optimize your wellness (2)- Leroy Hood, an American scientist.
And as most of us already know, costs related to DNA sequencing have dropped considerably over the last few years. Experts believe that soon, sequencing will be available and accessible for almost all individuals - costs may reach an all-time low of 100 dollars.
A revolutionary new project called Shivom wishes to permit DNA data donors to work together with companies in biotechnology and healthcare industry, institutes and organizations, to improve the benefits of genomics. In doing so, the platform can become the largest genomic data-hub on Earth and can lead the way for a series of important medical wonders - all these, with the help of the Blockchain.
Genome sequencing has many applications in healthcare:
- Prediction of disease risk
If you know what kind of illnesses your body is predisposed to, you can better implement the lifestyle changes that are needed to protect yourself. - An improved disease diagnosis
Artificial Intelligence, (through the deep learning processes) can be used for much better disease prevention and disease diagnosis. - Identification of proper treatments
Getting the right medication, in correct dosage, will better address this issue; thus, medical side effects will be better avoided (for more info, search Pharmacogenomics).
Shivom states that by using these tools, it will help the medical field identify, repair and potentially eradicate many inherited diseases. It can also do disease prognosis and help pharmaceutical companies identify new drug targets. Eventually, this will cause a decrease in costs related to clinical trials and increase their efficiency at the same time.
Got questions? Visit https://shivom.io/, learn more about the ecosystem it plans to create and find out how to get involved!
(1) https://todayinsci.com/QuotationsCategories/H_Cat/HumanGenome-Quotations.htm
(2) https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/leroy_hood