Decentralized Bio Network (DeBio) is a technology startup that utilizes cutting-edge blockchain technology for biomedical testing and bioinformatics analysis. More specifically, genetic testing. DeBio is a privacy-first platform, targeted at privacy-conscious service users.
Last February, at a leading blockchain conference ETHDenver, DeBio (previously named Degenics) was named Winner for Best IPFS Use for Identity, and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) winner for its fully anonymous home DNA testing marketplace.
Recently, the DeBio development team has been working hard on migrating their services from the Ethereum network to their own Substrate-based blockchain, as they want to make use of the Polkadot ecosystem with its relay chains. DeBio turns to Substrate because of the features it enables, such as para chains and relay chains. Other than enabling the DeBio network to connect their para chain to the existing Polkadot relay chain, DeBio’s para chains will also benefit from the security provided by the relay chain. The security aspect was one of the main reasons behind the migration.
The DeBio team originally intended to connect their para chain to the Rococo Testnet by May 2021. But after careful consideration, it was decided that it would be beneficial to try out the Octopus network beforehand. The DeBio Network will be the first app chain to be connected to the Octopus Network Testnet.
Pandu Sastrowardoyo, the initiator of the DeBio Network, stated, “The Debio.network believes that the future of blockchain lies in specialization of technology use cases as well as interoperability. The unique demands of the bioinformatics and biomedical ecosystems, the decision-making governance required to ensure proper and transparent data handling, in conjunction with the one-of-a-kind business models we provide, require a fresh, alternative architecture.”
She further states, “We feel that Octopus network, with its depth of technology and breadth of experience, may provide an excellent solution to our requirements.”
The Octopus Network is backed by the NEAR Protocol. One of the considerations is that, compared to Polkadot, Octopus offers a significantly cheaper security lease and comparable cross-chain capabilities. Polkadot also limits 100 para chain slots to connect to its relay chain with less than 10 available slots remaining this year, while Octopus Network does not have this limitation.
The NEAR Protocol was created with the intention to solve the problem of blockchain scalability and user-friendliness. Dropoff rates increase when the end-users perception of the application is slow or overcomplicated, thus a user-friendly experience is paramount. Furthermore, a complicated system design also doesn’t help the developers as some might find the process of creating and maintaining their applications endlessly frustrating. The aim should be to give a sense of familiarity during the development process. Developers should be able to add features intuitively while not compromising the application’s security.
It also helps to note that the NEAR protocol is a climate-neutral product. Last April, it was announced that South Pole, the leading low-carbon project developer, and climate solutions provider, assessed the NEAR Protocol’s carbon footprint. It was found that the NEAR Protocol had a tiny footprint, and this analysis has encompassed either direct or indirect emissions associated with the NEAR Protocol.
The NEAR Protocol was able to have a tiny carbon footprint because similarly to Polkadot and other Substrate-based blockchains it implements the proof-of-stake protocol instead of proof-of-work.
The NEAR foundation also claims that its’ technical design is heavily focused on creating the world’s most usable and scalable decentralized platform. Being backed by one of the world’s most ambitious projects, the DeBio team is confident that their solution would be one of great innovation and technical expertise.
