Crypto-crowdfunded Medical Journal Uses Bitcoin Cash to Break Down Paywalls

The Journal of Global Surgery (ONE) is revolutionizing access to medical research by leveraging Bitcoin Cash (BCH) for micropayments, enabling the community to fund and unlock studies such as a recent prostate cancer study in Zambia.

• Journal of Global Surgery (ONE) uses Bitcoin Cash for micropayments.
• Enables free access to scientific studies, including a prostate cancer study.
• Founded by Dr. Saqib Noor, also the initiator of One.Surgery.

Dr. Saqib Noor, the visionary behind this initiative, is not only breaking down paywalls but also spearheading One.Surgery, an organization dedicated to ensuring universal access to safe surgery. “We believe every person in the world should have access to universal, safe surgery. There is just too much imbalance currently that needs addressing urgently,” states the One.Surgery website, highlighting the urgent need for change.

The Journal of Global Surgery (ONE) prides itself on being the “first community funded, fair & sustainable peer-reviewed scientific journal.” By using Bitcoin Cash (BCH), the journal facilitates low-fee micropayments, allowing readers to contribute small amounts—down to $0.10—to fund specific studies. Once the funding goal is reached, the article becomes open access, making even niche medical knowledge freely available to all. This model not only supports researchers by waiving author fees but also incentivizes peer reviewers with BCH stipends—a fresh take on academic incentives.

The recent release of a study on prostate cancer in Zambia marks a significant achievement for the journal. Thanks to readers who chipped in micropayments as low as $0.10, the research was unlocked, proving that even specialized medical knowledge can bypass traditional paywalls. The Bitcoin Cash Foundation celebrated this success, underscoring the potential of community-driven funding in scientific research.

Currently in beta testing, the Journal of Global Surgery (ONE) is actively seeking community feedback to refine its model. This grassroots approach to scientific publishing aligns with the broader crypto world’s trend toward decentralization and direct community involvement.

The journal’s efforts go beyond challenging the status quo in medical publishing; they also intersect with the politically charged realms of medicine and cryptocurrency. By decentralizing access to critical information, the journal aims to diminish the influence of statist politics in these areas, promoting a more equitable and democratic access to knowledge.

The legacy of Aaron Swartz, who faced severe consequences for attempting to make academic journals freely accessible, serves as a stark reminder of the stakes involved. The Journal of Global Surgery (ONE) continues this battle, using the tools of the digital age to make a tangible impact on global health equity.

The optimism surrounding this project is palpable, but it’s essential to remain realistic. The path to truly democratizing scientific knowledge is fraught with challenges, including regulatory hurdles, the volatility of cryptocurrencies, and the necessity for sustained community engagement. Yet, the potential to disrupt traditional models and foster more inclusive access to information is undeniable.

Amidst these complexities, there’s a humorous side to seeing micropayments dismantle Goliath-sized paywalls one tiny $0.10 at a time. It’s a David vs. Goliath story, with Bitcoin Cash playing the role of the sling!

The Vision Behind the Journal

Dr. Saqib Noor’s vision is rooted in addressing the global disparities in surgical care and access to medical information. The initiative aims to create a more balanced healthcare landscape where even those in resource-limited settings can access the latest research.

How It Works

Micropayments are small, often digital, payments used to fund specific pieces of content. The Journal of Global Surgery (ONE) uses Bitcoin Cash for these micropayments, allowing readers to contribute as little as $0.10 to unlock articles. Once the funding goal is met, the article becomes open access. Bitcoin Cash transactions are processed on the blockchain, ensuring secure and transparent micropayments.

Impact and Challenges

The journal has successfully unlocked over 50 studies since its inception, reaching thousands of readers worldwide. However, challenges remain, such as navigating regulatory landscapes, managing the volatility of cryptocurrencies, and ensuring ongoing community engagement. While Bitcoin Cash plays a crucial role, it’s important to recognize the potential contributions of other cryptocurrencies and blockchains in this financial revolution.

Future Prospects

The Journal of Global Surgery (ONE) is just the beginning. Its model could influence other fields to adopt similar approaches, potentially decentralizing access to information across various sectors. The journal’s commitment to effective accelerationism, disrupting traditional models, and accelerating progress in medical research aligns with the broader goals of decentralization and financial revolution.

Key Takeaways and Questions

• What is the Journal of Global Surgery (ONE)?

  The Journal of Global Surgery (ONE) is a peer-reviewed scientific journal that uses crypto-crowdfunding, specifically Bitcoin Cash (BCH), to fund and make medical studies freely accessible to the public.

• How does the journal use Bitcoin Cash?

  The journal leverages Bitcoin Cash for low-fee micropayments, allowing readers to contribute small amounts (as low as $0.10) to “chip away” at paywalls until the funding goal is met, at which point the article becomes open access.

• Who is Dr. Saqib Noor?

  Dr. Saqib Noor is the founder of the Journal of Global Surgery and One.Surgery, dedicated to making medical information and safe surgery universally accessible.

• What is the significance of the prostate cancer study in Zambia?

  The study’s release demonstrates the practical application of the journal’s model, showing that even niche medical knowledge can be made freely available through community-funded micropayments.

• How does this initiative intersect with political issues?

  The journal’s approach touches on the politically charged fields of medicine and cryptocurrency, aiming to decentralize information access and reduce the influence of statist politics in these areas.

“The research was unlocked after readers chipped in micropayments as low as $0.10 — proving that even niche medical knowledge can bypass traditional paywalls.” – Bitcoin Cash Foundation news post

“We believe every person in the world should have access to universal, safe surgery. There is just too much imbalance currently that needs addressing urgently.” – One.Surgery website