In recent years, blockchain technology has continued to expand its application boundaries, from decentralized finance (DeFi) to NFTs, and to governance tokens, with various emerging tracks constantly surfacing. Now, the attention of crypto whales and tech giants has focused on decentralized science (DeSci). DeSci promotes advancements in fields such as biotechnology and medical research in a decentralized manner, providing new funding flow models and governance structures for scientific research. This concept is becoming a junction for the integration of blockchain technology and scientific innovation, sparking a new wave.
In this context, Binance founder CZ and Ethereum founder **Vitalik Buterin (V God)** recently made a high-profile participation in DeSci-related activities and shared their concerns and expectations for this field. Meanwhile, the keen crypto community quickly launched multiple MEME coin projects around the DeSci narrative, igniting market frenzy in a short time. This article will comprehensively analyze the DeSci track and the MEME market frenzy it has triggered.
I. DeSci Track: The integration of blockchain and scientific research
1. What is DeSci?
DeSci (Decentralized Science) is an innovative concept that combines blockchain technology with scientific research, aiming to improve traditional funding distribution, data management, and intellectual property (IP) governance models through decentralization. Its core goal is to allow scientists, patients, and investors to directly participate in research funding and outcome sharing without relying on traditional intermediary institutions.
DeSci transforms scientific research achievements into tradable assets through the establishment of BioDAO (Decentralized Biological Organizations), IP-tokenization, and on-chain governance, thereby incentivizing more capital and talent to enter the scientific field.
2. Important promoters of DeSci
CZ and V God's layout
On November 13, CZ shared his feelings about attending the DeSci entrepreneur gathering organized by Binance Labs through social platform X, revealing his high interest in DeSci projects. During the event, V God showcased VitaDAO's first longevity product to CZ—VD001, a high-dose spermidine supplement approved by the Thai Food and Drug Administration. This product signifies that the DeSci track is gradually realizing the practical application of scientific achievements.
Additionally, Binance Labs announced an investment in BIO Protocol, a financial protocol for decentralized science, providing on-chain funding support for scientific research. CZ clearly stated that he hopes to see the emergence of 1,000 DeSci-related projects next year.
Operational model of Bio Protocol
Bio Protocol provides financing and liquidity support for scientific research through a standardized BioDAO framework. Its functions include project screening, seed funding provision, IP-tokenization, and protocol governance. The BIO token is not only a tool for participating in governance but also offers investors opportunities to purchase scientific research outcomes.
II. MEME Frenzy: How does DeSci ignite market emotions?
1. The rise of DeSci MEME tokens
Driven by the DeSci frenzy, multiple MEME tokens quickly became the focus of market attention, among which RIF, URO, and SCIHUB stood out the most. These tokens not only attract investors with unique narratives but also combine the practical significance of scientific research, injecting new vitality into the MEME market.
RIF: Anti-aging research token
RIF (Rifampicin) is based on research into the potential anti-aging effects of the antibiotic rifampicin. Preliminary studies suggest that rifampicin can extend lifespan by enhancing cells' resistance to stress. RIF rapidly gained popularity in the market, with its market value surpassing $200 million in a short time.
URO: Tokenization of mitochondrial health
URO (Urolithin A) studies how the natural compound urolithin A in pomegranates can improve cellular health by activating the 'mitophagy' mechanism. The narrative of URO emphasizes its potential in the anti-aging field, and within 24 hours, its market value soared to $70 million.
SCIHUB: A symbol of academic freedom
SCIHUB tokens are designed around the sentiment of resistance against the academic publishing industry, symbolizing the struggle for freedom of knowledge access. Its narrative emphasizes resistance against high subscription fees and publishing monopolies, successfully resonating with the academic community and intellectuals.
2. Why can MEME narratives succeed?
The success of MEME tokens often relies on emotional resonance and the attractiveness of narratives. The explosion of DeSci-related MEME tokens indicates that themes that touch people's emotions (such as health, longevity, and academic freedom) have more persistence and transmissibility than purely entertaining narratives.
Initial Emotion Offering (IEO): A new form of emotion issuance
Unlike traditional ICOs (Initial Coin Offerings), the rise of MEME tokens can be seen as a **'Emotion Issuance'** model. DeSci-related MEME tokens resonate and establish narrative scenarios, making users not just investors but also community participants and disseminators of narratives.
III. DeSci and Community Finance: How does MEME drive scientific development?
The rise of the DeSci track proves that blockchain can provide a new funding model for scientific research, while the introduction of MEME tokens has taken this innovation to new heights.
1. Democratization of funding for scientific research
Traditional scientific research funding often relies on government, institutions, or large enterprises, while DeSci diversifies funding sources through BioDAO and IP-tokenization. Anyone can participate in funding scientific research by purchasing tokens and sharing its benefits.
2. The double-edged sword of community participation
The MEME-based community finance model has brought significant funding support to scientific research but may also deviate from the initial research intentions. For example, excessive financial speculation may shift the focus to short-term gains rather than the long-term significance of the research.
IV. The future of DeSci: Integration of science and finance
The concept of DeSci is not only the combination of scientific research and blockchain technology but also a disruptive innovation of the existing scientific funding model. From CZ and V God's high-profile attention to the market frenzy of MEME tokens, DeSci is quickly moving from vision to reality.
1. Advantages and challenges of DeSci
Advantages: DeSci provides decentralized and transparent funding support for scientific research and promotes the sharing of scientific achievements through community consensus.
Challenges: How to find a balance between financialization and the essence of research, avoiding the impact of excessive speculation on scientific goals.
2. The long-term impact of DeSci
As the DeSci concept is further promoted, more scientific application scenarios that integrate blockchain technology may emerge in the future, such as decentralized experimental data storage and on-chain trading of research results. DeSci not only promotes the development of biotechnology but may also have a profound impact on the operational models of the entire research industry.
Conclusion: The evolutionary track from DeSci to MEME
The explosion of the DeSci track and the frenzy of MEME tokens mark a new attempt of blockchain technology in the field of scientific research. From health and longevity to academic freedom, these narratives not only inject funding into scientific research but also bring a sense of participation and emotional belonging to the community.
In the future, whether DeSci can truly achieve 'scientific democratization' still requires time to verify. However, it is certain that whether it's the vision of crypto whales or the market craze of MEME tokens, the exploration of DeSci is leading blockchain into a new era full of possibilities.
