Blockchain Technology Changing Traditional Methods of Applied Research in Bioinformatics

Blockchain Technology Changing Traditional Methods of Applied Research in Bioinformatics

Natalia Rasskazova (Penza State University, Penza, Russia) and Liudmila Ratushnaia (Penza State University, Penza, Russia)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-7998-5351-0.ch098
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Abstract

It is evident that traditional research methods are going to change. The research should be based on the possibility of quick access to information, interactivity and interaction of participants in search for information, elimination of temporal and spatial obstacles. Everything mentioned above requires the use of new research technologies, including blockchain technology. This technology allows solving the problems of collection and systematization of scientific data, access to it within the framework of project operation and implementation at any organization, and joint efforts of various structures. Data saved in blocks and stored on different servers can be accessed by different users. It reduces the cost of coordinating the actions of different users who want to obtain certain information. This article explores how blockchain technology is changing traditional methods of applied research in bioinformatics.
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Background

Blockchain technology was proposed in 2008 by Satoshi Nakamoto. This technology was the basis of the first cryptocurrency, Bitcoin. The blockchain can be defined as a distributed decentralized database that continues to register data records confirmed by the respective nodes. All data is stored in a public ledger, which includes all registered transactions. Theblockchain consists of a linked sequence of blocks containing transactions with timestamps that are protected by cryptography. Blockchain technology allows recording transactions continuously keeping them unchanged while providing constant updates. Accordingly, the blockchain is provided partly by the database, partly by the development platform and partly by the virtual network intermediary.

The main characteristics of any blockchain are:

  • decentralized structure of data storage;

  • the highest level of data storage security;

  • distributed data storage;

  • maximum system transparency for users;

  • inability to falsify once recorded data.

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