Blockchain enabled DNA banking and comparative analysis using hyperledger fabric

Abstract

In the year 2001, the human genome was sequenced for the first time costing about $3 billion. Today, it is far cheaper to get the genome sequenced. Thus, this would lead to wider adoption of personal genome sequencing as it enables better diagnosis, disease prevention, and personalized therapies. If data is shared with researchers, the causes of many diseases will be identified and new drugs developed. Opportunities worth billions of dollars are being created and envisioned. There are generally steps being undertaken to protect our data and genetic privacy by the labs processing our genetic information. But they also could be used or misused for a variety of reasons. Cases of identity theft have been proved worrisome for various experts. Using the same databases, marketers could also target individuals with particular diseases; or in a more unnerving scenario, those whose genetic information suggests they are likely to develop certain illnesses in the future. The individual would have little to no control on the genetic data being stored and thus, security breach on such types of data could lead to revelation of an individual’s family history. Thus, the project aims to enhance data protection, enable buyers to efficiently acquire data and address the challenges of big data. These goals will be accomplished through decentralization, cryptography, and its utilization.