#489: Bitcoin Fixes Scientific Peer Review with Kevin McKernan
Mar 13, 2024
auto_awesome
Explore how Bitcoin can improve scientific peer review and incentivize high-quality research through conversations with Kevin McKernan. Topics discussed include covid jabs, gene therapy, industry saving face, Bitcoin's impact on timechain, parallels with biology, and reactions to Capitol Hill message.
Bitcoin can improve scientific peer review through incentivization.
Leveraging blockchain for genomic data timestamping and storage solutions.
Bitcoin's impact extends beyond finance, offering potential applications in healthcare and biological research.
Deep dives
Innovative Solutions for Genomic Data Timestamping
Using blockchain technology, innovative solutions were discussed for timestamping genomic data, such as incorporating open timestamps to hash data for record-keeping. Storing data on IPFS was utilized, but utilizing BitTorrent or a potential BitTorrent competitor built on Noster was considered more efficient. By leveraging these technologies and keeping data off the blockchain but securing timestamping and immutability, more effective genomic data storage solutions can be achieved.
Seeding Data and Lightning Network for Data Accessibility
Seeding large genomic data files posed challenges, with limited downloads by specific specialists. Implementing a Lightning Network paywall into the data could incentivize more people to seed files efficiently. BitTorrent and platforms like Noster could incorporate Lightning Network paywalls for accessing data, creating a system where data accessibility and incentivization are balanced.
Data Size and Frequency Mismatch with Blockchain Transactions
The mismatch between the large size of genomic data files and the frequency of data access versus blockchain transaction speeds and frequencies poses challenges. Replicating large genomic data frequently on a blockchain may not be practical due to access frequency and storage costs variations based on usage patterns. Balancing the frequency of data access and storage costs with blockchain transactions is essential for optimizing genomic data storage solutions.
Decentralization and Security in Genomic Data Management
Maintaining decentralization and security in managing genomic data presents opportunities for innovative solutions. Utilizing blockchain for timestamping and immutability, along with protocols like IPFS, BitTorrent, or Noster for data storage can enhance genomic data management. Incorporating Lightning Network paywalls can further enhance data accessibility and incentivization while optimizing storage costs based on usage patterns.
Incentivizing Peer Review with a Price Signal
Introducing a price signal as an incentive for peer reviews can address issues of efficiency and engagement in the academic review process. By offering bounties for urgent papers or important research, the dynamic of peer reviews can be transformed, leading to faster dissemination of scientific knowledge and encouraging transparency in publication practices.
The Implications of Bitcoin in Healthcare and Biological Research
Bitcoin's impact extends beyond finance, with potential applications in healthcare and biological research. The decentralized nature of Bitcoin aligns with decentralizing medicine, emphasizing the importance of individual sovereignty in health decisions. Parallels between Bitcoin's proof of work system and biological processes highlight how Bitcoin incentivizes trustworthy information propagation and value creation. Embracing Bitcoin may lead to more efficient capital allocation in healthcare, fostering innovation and decentralization in medical research.
The Indoctrinated Brain: https://www.amazon.com/Indoctrinated-Brain-Successfully-Global-Freedom/dp/1510778365
0:00 - Intro 5:05 - Capitol Hill presentation 15:08 - P2P review and publication 19:43 - Hiding SV40 DNA 28:00 - Gene therapy 34:04 - Industry saving face 42:47 - Gradually, Then Suddenly 43:26 - Bitcoin and the timechain 57:24 - Incentivizing high quality peer review 1:07:56 - Bitcoin parallels biology 1:13:43 - Medical community catching on 1:18:50 - Reactions to Capitol Hill message 1:24:20 - Wrapping up
