What is "Microbes"?

Microbes, our debut NFT collection, is a primary exploration of the original themes of DeSci; bringing the scientific and decentralised communities together.

By combining raw research data with artistically manipulated designs, we have created an easy entry point to bring microbiology to the decentralised communities. The utility and innovation of NFTs also helps create an entry point for the research community to enter into the world of Web3 and blockchain.

From the laboratories of Imperial College London, images collected from thousands of hours of research by PhD alumni form the foundation of this collection. The concept was created by early member of DeSciWorld, PhD Microbiologist Kira Eiliers, in collaboration with an art team, to bring into view the world of the unseen. Deadly viruses, microorganisms, psychedelic compounds and ancient single-cell organisms are some of the subjects that form parts of the resulting NFT art.

What is an NFT?

“NFTs are tokens that we can use to represent ownership of unique items. They let us tokenise things like art, collectibles, even real estate. They can only have one official owner at a time and they’re secured by the Ethereum blockchain — no one can modify the record of ownership or copy/paste a new NFT into existence.

NFT stands for non-fungible token. Non-fungible is an economic term that you could use to describe things like your furniture, a song file, or your computer. These things are not interchangeable for other items because they have unique properties.” — Ethereum Foundation

Applying NFTs to the research community can provide a solution to issues of data security, plagiarism, transparency and referencing. The unique Ethereum wallet address that contains the NFT is open for all to see on the Ethereum blockchain explorer, Etherscan. Through Etherscan, one can track the genesis and all future transfers of that NFT; transparently and easily. Innovations on the concept of NFTs are made daily at the moment and we aim to incorporate the most appropriate solutions for each use case.

Why an NFT?

With no token equity to offer raising capital to support DeSciWorld through traditional investment channels was not appropriate. For this reason, we decided to release the NFT collection, “Microbes”. We took the research data, manipulated the imagery and hosted everything on a decentralised infrastructure.

Characteristics

NFTs can also be programmed to display certain “traits” or “characteristics” which can enhance the owner’s understanding of their own piece, and where it stands in relation to the collection.

Microbes full range of characteristics cane found below:

• Biosafety Level: BSL1, BSL2, BSL3, BSL4

• Movement: Still, Burst, Spin, Grow, Morph

• Assemble: Whole Organism, Particle, Protein

• Magnification: 0, 63x, 100x, 400x, atomic

• Type: Bacteria, Fungi, Virus

• Experiment: in vitro, in vivo, in cellular, infection

• Organism: (many)

• Effect: (many, artistic rendering of the base image)

These characteristics help to define each piece within the collection whilst also giving the viewer a deeper understanding of what analysis researchers use when interacting with their data.

Use of Funds

Transparently, the ETH obtained from the launch of Microbes will be used first to cover operational costs accrued in the process of creating and maintaining DeSciWorld. The effort from our researchers and designers must be compensated. The costs of website design, solidity engineering and other such outgoings will also be reimbursed. This project started with friends, ideas and zero budget; until this point everything is out of pocket.

Next, the rest of the proceeds will be donated to the DeSciWorldDAO Gnosis Safe for ecosystem development:

• Hiring team members

• Retainer fees for selected On-Demand researchers

• Improve overall UX and develop aesthetic

• Support community, ecosystem and culture

• Engage with other Ethereum ecosystem projects

The standard of community engagement is completely different in the decentralised world than in the traditional business world. Community is widely agreed to be what makes or breaks a project in this space and at DeSciWorld we have a wealth of experience in engaging communities around the world. We hope to inspire participation, passion and progress through efficient and effective use of the DeSciWorldDAO’s funds.

Finally, we plan to set up a regular donation fund to specific causes that our community are most passionate about.