DNAtix completed the first Proof Of Concept (POC) test by transferring the complete genome sequence of a virus over the Ethereum Blockchain.
This proof of concept test is a milestone in the research and development of the innovative DNAtix team and the company believes it is the first time someone has successfully transferred a DNA sequence to a blockchain.
The genome of humans is comprised of about 3 billion base pairs (letters) which equals approx 700 megabytes (processed and compressed genome) to ~100 gigabytes (raw genome read out). Even after applying DNA compression methods and focusing on the differences (E.g. mutations/SNPs) between the sequenced DNA and a reference sequence, the size of the data is still too large to be efficiently supported by current blockchain technologies.
“For the purpose of the POC we uploaded the virus sequence which is ~5400 ‘letters’ that equals about 1348 bytes,” explains Ofer Lidsky, DNAtix’s CEO and co-founder.
The DNAtix team developed proprietary DNA compression algorithms that enable a 75% reduction in DNA sequence size by implementing a Python script. The team is working to further improve the algorithm, aiming to reduce the size by 99%.
This DNA transfer on the blockchain opens the door to many services and applications that DNAtix will offer users of its platform and ecosystem.
“This is only the beginning of unlocking humanity’s biggest mysteries,” says Mr. Lidsky. “Our Genetic ecosystem will enable better genetic understanding by allowing players in the market to use our open source technology, and introduce new developments for the benefit of human kind.”
DNAtix developed a working prototype, an innovative and new direct-to-consumer one-stop-shop platform that will allow users to perform partial or complete DNA sequences analysis, plus the ability to choose additional testsfrom a wide range of services.
“Transferring the sequence of a virus, which in terms of the size of the genetic data of a living organism is considered small, is only the first step”, says dr. Tal Sines, CSO & Co-founder of the company, a graduate of the Weizmann Institute. with a doctorate in molecular biology. “Your DNA is the key to improving your lifestyle and health care.”
By developing the ability to transfer large amounts of DNA data to a blockchain in a safe and anonymous manner, the company’s goal is to bring a new world of genetic possibilities that enable research progress, treatment developments and innovative and customized solutions. preventive medicine.
