IBM patent targets blockchain in open scientific research
Technology company IBM is seeking to patent the use of blockchain in open scientific research, including experiments, data collection, and analysis.
The patent (application number 15/842659), which was filed at the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) last year and published on November 8, 2018, is called “Blockchain for open scientific research”.
Blockchain technology was initially designed as a way of handling the Bitcoin cryptocurrency. It offers a decentralised way of sharing information through ‘blocks’ which are linked using cryptography (code encryption).
IBM’s filing describes use of the technology for the non-commercial purpose of scientific research, rather than the commercial use of cryptocurrency.
According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the concept of open science refers to unhindered access to scientific articles and collaborative research aided by technology.
IBM’s patent application seeks to integrate the “trustworthiness of the blockchain concept with open scientific research by generating a blockchain of the experiments formed, data collected, analyses performed, and results achieved”.
For example, a blockchain could represent a research project where one block comprises research data, and a second block has analysis data representing a log of the analysis performed on the first block’s research data.
Summary blocks and correction blocks can also be added to the blockchain to represent the post-analysis research results.
The filing noted that there are currently “limited platforms that allow for sharing information about scientific research and showing transparent data collection”, and those that do exist lack the controls to “allow for trustworthy data”.
IBM’s attempt to bring blockchain into the life sciences industry follows in the footsteps of a number of other big names which have sought to introduce blockchain into their respective sectors.
Last month, the USPTO granted the Bank of America a blockchain patent covering systems and devices for the remote storage of private cryptography keys.
Meanwhile, Sony announced that it is using blockchain technology to develop a rights management system for digital written works.
And Chinese e-commerce operator Alibaba filed an application at the USPTO for a patent covering a blockchain solution that allows for third-party intervention where illegal activities have taken place.
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