What is DeSci?

Challenges in Traditional Science

Traditional scientific research (TradSci) has contributed immensely to human progress but is not without its limitations. Some of the key issues often encountered include:

1. Restricted Access: Most scientific papers are locked behind paywalls or subscription fees, limiting access to critical knowledge. This makes it harder for researchers to stay updated.
2. Lack of Collaboration: Research is often conducted in silos, with individual teams working independently. This fragmentation slows down discovery and innovation.
3. Centralized Funding: Research funding is typically controlled by centralized institutions or grant agencies, leading to inefficiencies and subjective decision-making in resource allocation.
4. Transparency Deficits: Peer reviews, research data, and funding processes often lack transparency, which can erode trust in scientific outcomes.
   A common analogy in traditional science is the “Valley of Death,” referring to the critical phase between foundational scientific research and successful innovation that benefits society—particularly patients.
   

What is Decentralized Science (DeSci)?

DeSci (Decentralized Science) aims to create a public infrastructure for scientific research by leveraging Web3 technologies. It seeks to fund, produce, review, verify, store, and disseminate scientific knowledge in a decentralized manner. The ultimate goal of DeSci is to foster an ecosystem that incentivizes scientists to openly share their findings, facilitates transparent peer review processes, and allows anyone to contribute to or access research. This decentralized approach eliminates reliance on central institutions.

How Does DeSci Transform Science?

1. Addressing Restricted Access:
   DeSci improves accessibility through blockchain-based research repositories. Scientists can share their findings as NFTs, benefiting directly from their work while promoting knowledge dissemination. Additionally, blockchain-based storage ensures data security and accessibility.
2. Enhancing Collaboration:
   DeSci provides a global platform for collaboration, breaking down the silos in traditional science. By using blockchain and smart contracts, researchers can share data, tools, and resources seamlessly, accelerating innovation.
3. Decentralized Funding:
   DeSci leverages Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) and smart contracts to distribute research funding transparently and equitably. Scientists can crowdfund through tokenized projects, and contributors are rewarded based on the quality and impact of their work. This ensures the most promising projects receive the attention they deserve.
4. Increasing Transparency:
   DeSci uses blockchain to log every research activity and decision-making process, increasing transparency in data storage, peer reviews, and funding allocations. This openness fosters public trust in science and reduces the likelihood of bias or unethical practices.

Featured Tokens

RIF

RIF represents Rifamycin, introduced by Pump.science—a meme-launching platform under Solana-based DeSci initiative Molecule DAO. It serves as a tokenized prediction game for lifespan-extension experiments. Traditionally known as Rifampin, RIF is an antibiotic primarily used to treat infections like tuberculosis. In prior trials, it extended the lifespan of worms by 32.87%.

URO

URO, also from Pump.science, represents Urolithin, which extended lifespan by 6.35% in earlier experiments. It promotes autophagy and improves mitochondrial function, contributing to cellular health and anti-aging. By repairing cellular damage, Urolithin A has the potential to delay aging and improve overall health.

SCIHUB

The SCIHUB token aligns with the concept of scientific donations and free access to knowledge. Inspired by the platform Sci-Hub, which provides free access to millions of academic papers, it represents decentralized science. While Sci-Hub is praised for democratizing knowledge, critics argue it bypasses copyright laws and challenges publishers’ rights.

Conclusion

DeSci is an emerging field with immense potential to revolutionize science. By addressing challenges in TradSci, DeSci could attract traditional academic institutions to its vision. A scientific ecosystem that prioritizes transparency, collaboration, and fairness is the ideal, and DeSci aims to make this a reality.