The scientists, led by Sara Szymkuć, President, and Co-founder of Allchemy, employed the Golem blockchain protocol to simulate a network of chemical reactions, shedding light on the origins of life on early Earth. This innovative approach represents an unusual fusion of chemistry, particularly prebiotic chemistry, with blockchain and distributed computation.
Rather than utilizing traditional methods where cryptocurrencies are employed to solve complex mathematical problems, the researchers initiated the process with a model of primordial molecules like ammonia and water. They then simulated various chemical reactions, leveraging computing resources provided through the Golem blockchain protocol.
The outcome was the generation of multiple synthetic reactions, offering insights into potential repetitive cycles that might have played a crucial role in the emergence of life. This methodology draws parallels to the famous 1953 Urey-Miller experiment but incorporates a contemporary and tech-forward twist.
Szymkuć explained that the research provided deeper insights into early metabolic systems, offering glimpses into their evolution into present-day metabolic cycles. The team identified mimics of known cycles, hinting at different molecules or reactions, guiding future explorations into the evolution of early metabolic systems.
One of the challenges in digitally modeling these complex reactions lies in the substantial computing resources required. In a previous attempt, limitations in computing resources hindered the researchers. However, the latest project, which calculated over 4.9 billion plausible prebiotic reactions across 3.7 billion simulated molecules, overcame this challenge through the use of the Golem blockchain protocol.
According to Szymkuć, the financial advantage of utilizing blockchain-based resources was a key factor. Renting similar resources from conventional platforms like Amazon was estimated to be twice as expensive. The time factor was also noteworthy, with the assembly of the model through Golem, involving approximately 400 machines, taking around two months, compared to a potential six months for acquiring hardware.
The resulting network, termed the “Network of Early Life,” or NOEL, proved extensive, showcasing the potential of blockchain in scientific research requiring significant computational power. Several hundred reactions were identified as self-replicating, setting a promising foundation for further exploration.
Soubhik Deb, a researcher with expertise in blockchain technologies, acknowledged the advantages of blockchain in research but highlighted concerns around security and accuracy. While blockchain-based computing resources offer censorship resistance, Deb emphasized challenges related to Byzantine adversarial scenarios and privacy.
In conclusion, the collaboration between blockchain technology and prebiotic chemistry opens new avenues for scientific exploration, demonstrating the potential of innovative methodologies to reshape the landscape of research. The integration of blockchain, particularly through protocols like Golem, not only reduces costs and time but also presents a novel approach to complex scientific endeavors.