Latest news with #digitalTwin
Khaleej Times
7 days ago
- Health
- Khaleej Times
How crypto is changing the way research is conducted
I was scrolling TikTok last week and landed on an influencer interviewing Chris Crecelius, founder of AxonDAO, at the Bitcoin conference in Las Vegas. It turns out Chris has been tackling medical problems with technology since 2013, long before he knew what crypto even was. One of AxonDAO's many projects allows people to make money from their own genetic information – something well-known predecessors in the DNA space charged us for and then made millions from. They apply the power of Web3 to improve the way science works, connecting regular people with digital replicas of their body. 'The idea is that we all possess something valuable for science, for humanity, and now that we can digitise our likeness as a perfect machine,' he explains in the video. 'We can test these things and understand how our body will react.' In this world, we would be able try out new medicines and therapies on our digital twin before taking them ourselves. The possibilities are almost endless. The crypto angle? You can invest directly in this project through tokens the company issues. (Full disclosure: AxonDAO's token is AXGT, and I have owned a little bit of it since last year) In this world, we would be able try out new medicines and therapies on our digital twin before taking them ourselves. The possibilities are almost endless. The crypto angle? You can invest directly in this project through tokens the company issues This is just one example of a world of opportunity that exists in decentralised science — or DeSci. This is a rapidly growing movement few ordinary people seem to know about, one that applies blockchain technology to how scientific research is funded, conducted, shared, and reviewed. It's not just technical innovation; it's a philosophical shift. And it might just fix what's broken. Blockchain — the tech behind Bitcoin and Ethereum — is essentially a tamper-proof, decentralised digital ledger. No single authority controls it. It's secure, transparent, and immutable – meaning it has never been nor can ever be changed. When applied to science, that means funding decisions can be made by the community. Research data can be verified, peer-reviewed and stored permanently. Contributors can be rewarded directly. And anyone can participate. The DeSci space is already buzzing with initiatives, many of which aim to solve long-standing issues in research: Democratising research funding: Instead of waiting for grants or institutional support, scientists can now raise funds directly from communities who care about their work. Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (DAOs) like VitaDAO and AthenaDAO let token-holders vote on what gets funded, and they can even earn a return if the research leads to viable products or therapies. Ensuring transparency: Traditional research is riddled with selective publication, hidden data, and academic bias. With blockchain technology, the whole process, from protocols to results, is open for scrutiny. Speeding up peer review and publishing: Platforms like ResearchHub are reimagining how research gets shared. Instead of costly, biased academic journals, blockchain-based review systems allow open access and community feedback, with contributors earning crypto tokens for participation. Expanding global collaboration: Blockchain removes institutional silos, enabling researchers around the world to connect and collaborate seamlessly. A scientist in Nairobi and one in Toronto could co-publish research in real time. RESPECTING DATA OWNERSHIP AxonDAO isn't the only one offering the chance for people to share their data. GenomesDAO offers individuals the ability to store and control their DNA data, with the option to share it for research and get compensated. This flips the script on major genomics companies that have profited from user data without offering anything back. Even intellectual property — one of science's biggest bottlenecks — is being rethought. The NobleBlocks project lets researchers tokenise their discoveries, creating tradeable IP assets that maintain ownership while enabling faster innovation. It's early days, but there are already more than 100 DeSci projects underway. There's PoSciDonDAO, focusing on sustainable development. HairDAO is researching hair loss. VitaDAO is all-in on longevity. AthenaDAO is dedicated to women – to closing the gender gap in medical research. What I find most compelling is how this space encourages participation. You don't have to be a PhD to contribute. You can fund projects, propose ideas, analyse data, or just help spread the word. For anyone who's ever felt left out of the scientific conversation, this is your invitation. What Chris Crecelius and others are building isn't just technical innovation. It's cultural revolution. By merging blockchain, AI and community governance, they're giving science back to the people. While many of these ideas may take years to scale, many projects will fail and others will soar – and no one knows who will emerge as the leader – the direction is clear: decentralisation isn't just a financial story — it's a scientific one. And just like blockchain and cryptocurrency are levelling the investing playing field, DeSci brings our health out of gate-kept government labs, questionable peer review practices and Ivy League universities, creating a light-filled space we can all find a way to be involved in.
Zawya
28-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
KFSHRC pioneers AI-powered cardiac surgery, setting a global standard for Intelligent Healthcare
Riyadh: King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) is redefining the future of cardiac surgery by integrating artificial intelligence (AI), digital twin simulations, and real-time analytics—ushering in a new era of intelligent, patient-centered care that improves clinical outcomes, minimizes complications, and aligns with international standards of excellence. At the heart of this transformation is KFSHRC's Centre for Healthcare Intelligence (CHI), which utilizes predictive modeling and advanced 3D digital twin technology to simulate each patient's anatomy and rehearse surgical procedures before entering the operating room. These AI-powered simulations allow surgical teams to plan optimal incision paths, assess potential risks, and execute highly personalized strategies with greater precision and safety. During operations, real-time data analytics support surgeons in making informed intraoperative decisions, reducing variability and enhancing consistency. These innovations have also facilitated the adoption of minimally invasive techniques, resulting in shorter procedure times, reduced trauma, and faster patient recovery. Postoperatively, AI continues to support care through personalized monitoring systems that analyze biometric data from wearable or implantable devices. These tools detect early signs of complications and adapt recovery plans dynamically. KFSHRC is also piloting remote monitoring technologies to ensure seamless continuity of care after discharge. This forward-looking model of AI-enhanced cardiac care reflects KFSHRC's commitment to clinical innovation and excellence. The hospital currently employs over 20 AI-powered solutions across various specialties and partners with global health-tech leaders to drive the next generation of care delivery. These advancements align with KFSHRC's broader vision to deliver world-class specialty care and lead the digital transformation of healthcare through pioneering technologies and intelligent systems. It is noteworthy that KFSHRC has been ranked first in the Middle East and Africa and 15th globally on the 2025 list of the world's top 250 academic medical centers. It was also named the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the region by Brand Finance, and featured in Newsweek's 2025 list of the World's Best Smart Hospitals.
