Blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) have long been combined to change the way people view identity and authentication. Amid these innovations comes data, described by experts as the new oil: extracted, collected, refined, processed and turned into something useful.
While most blockchain and AI use cases are still experimental and success cannot yet be measured, an app in development is using users’ personal data to contribute to research into extending human life.
Speaking to Cointelegraph at the recent Cardano Summit, Jasmine Smith, CEO of Web3-based wellness app Rejuve.AI, said crowdsourcing data from multiple sources is helping accelerate longevity research. She explained that current core datasets are limited to Western populations. She explained:
“Being able to democratize that access and fill the data gaps in countries like Africa, Asia and the Middle East will give us a more holistic view of human health and longevity. [enable] us to make better recommendations… to support their care.
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— Rejuve.AI (@Rejuve_AI) November 3, 2023
Smith added that such initiatives are not intended to replace doctors and physicians, but rather to assist them in their work.
“Open source development always produces better AI algorithms. We also have a section where people can contribute to our AI platform to create multi-resolution simulations based on different factors,” she added.
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Rejuve.AI is a decentralized longevity research network where users can contribute their personal health data to scientific studies on aging in exchange for tokenized rewards, which in turn can be used for other products and services within the platform. According to Smith, the data collected from users will then be used to develop advanced testing kits such as genome sequencing, DNA methylation and biological age testing – products that a normal individual would not otherwise have access to.
Referring to concerns that the initiative could downplay views on longevity research, Smith argued that people “naturally like to be rewarded”, adding:
“I think everyone wants to get something for what they give, especially when it comes to health data. We wear smartwatches and rings, and while we might get some cool graphs in the app, we don’t actually get paid.”
The executive pointed out that that aspect of Web3 “can be really powerful,” highlighting what the research shows “goes way beyond just the token.”
When asked about the philosophical debate and unintended societal consequences surrounding extending human life, Smith explained that the project does not force anyone to “live beyond 100 years.”
“It’s more about pushing the boundaries of science and technology to make something, not just for rich people, but for anyone who has that drive and motivation [to extend their lives],” said Smith. “It is also not about imposing the driver’s motivation on someone who does not yet have that motivation.”
Smith said she doesn’t see AI completely replacing humans. Instead, she believes the technology will not only make their jobs easier, but also give them a more direct and detailed understanding of someone’s value as an individual. She added:
“[AI] can certainly speed up workflows, make tracking easier, and better connect an individual to their data contribution, and to the returns that actually come from deploying their data across various initiatives and products.”
