Understanding more about the genome and the importance of genomics
Initiated in 1988, the Human Genome Project (HGP) was considered of the most important studies in the fields of biology, anthropology, psychology, medicine, paleontology; Its objective was to determine the DNA sequence of the entire human genome. HGP managed to unite efforts from numerous health institutions, state authorities, universities, and laboratories across the United States and the world. The first draft of the study was an immense success - the data it offered was considered a basic set of inheritable instructions for the development and function of humans.
"It's a history book - a narrative of the journey of our species through time. It's a shop manual, with an incredibly detailed blueprint for building every human cell. And it's a transformative textbook of medicine, with insights that will give health care providers immense new powers to treat, prevent and cure disease" stated Francis Collins, the director of the National Human Genome Research Institute upon publication. – Genome.gov
It’s vital for us not to mistake these two terms - genetics and genomics. The first one defines the study of individual genes and their role in inheritance, while the second refers to the collective characterization and quantification of genes. Thus, genomics is a science domain that studies the structure, function, evolution, mapping, and editing of genomes. - Wikipedia
What most of us do not know now, after more than 17 years since the HGP, is that this field of science has greatly affected healthcare (this complex term refers to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, illness, injury, and other physical and mental impairments in the human being. – Wikipedia
How can this modern research improve global healthcare?
Just like Francis Collins mentioned before, genomics can help scientists and doctors better understand and treat health conditions and diseases. Some of them are increasing at an alarming rate: cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, depressions, diseases of the heart.
However, at a global level, a major monopoly in genomics is held by a number of stakeholders that oftentimes, obtain enormous profits. These players sell this data to third parties, while most of the time, the data donors are left with no compensation.
What could be a possible solution to this problem? Merging blockchain technologies and genomics data. As most of us already know, blockchain may be the next big thing - leading the change in the world economy.
First of all, Shivom genomics platform is the next evolutionary step towards this, bringing both of these modern technologies together. Shivom is building a global medical genomics ecosystem on the blockchain. In doing so, it aims to become the world’s largest genomic service provider and create a sustainable, open marketplace. Here, individuals will find solutions to improve their health and their well-being. Also, this platform will operate as a healthcare vertical and will be open to organizations, so that the best technology can be developed at Shivom.
Not least, Shivom will protect such delicate DNA information, through the blockchain. This will protect identities, block data tampering, identity theft and will enable access to the data with the use of smart contracts.
Learn more about Shivom and discover how you can contribute to the global healthcare revolution, at https://shivom.io/