This review explores the application of blockchain distributed ledger technologies in biomedical and healthcare domains. Blockchain, originally developed as a cryptocurrency (Bitcoin), has evolved into a decentralized database technology with potential benefits for healthcare applications. Key features of blockchain include decentralization, immutability, data provenance, robustness, and enhanced security and privacy through cryptographic algorithms. These characteristics make blockchain suitable for applications such as improved medical record management, enhanced insurance claim processes, accelerated clinical research, and advanced biomedical data ledgers. The review discusses the Bitcoin blockchain, its underlying technology, and how it addresses issues like double-spending through hash-chain timestamping and proof-of-work algorithms. It also covers alternative blockchain technologies and their applications beyond finance, including non-financial uses in healthcare. The review highlights the potential of blockchain to improve data sharing, interoperability, and security in healthcare systems. Challenges associated with blockchain adoption in healthcare include transparency and confidentiality, speed and scalability, and the risk of 51% attacks. Proposed solutions include using permissioned blockchains, encrypting sensitive data, and leveraging smart contracts for automated data management. The review also discusses the benefits of blockchain compared to traditional distributed databases, emphasizing its potential to enhance data integrity, security, and privacy in healthcare applications. Overall, blockchain technology offers promising opportunities for improving healthcare systems, but careful design and implementation are necessary to address the challenges associated with its adoption. The review concludes that blockchain has the potential to significantly advance the biomedical and healthcare domains through innovative applications.This review explores the application of blockchain distributed ledger technologies in biomedical and healthcare domains. Blockchain, originally developed as a cryptocurrency (Bitcoin), has evolved into a decentralized database technology with potential benefits for healthcare applications. Key features of blockchain include decentralization, immutability, data provenance, robustness, and enhanced security and privacy through cryptographic algorithms. These characteristics make blockchain suitable for applications such as improved medical record management, enhanced insurance claim processes, accelerated clinical research, and advanced biomedical data ledgers. The review discusses the Bitcoin blockchain, its underlying technology, and how it addresses issues like double-spending through hash-chain timestamping and proof-of-work algorithms. It also covers alternative blockchain technologies and their applications beyond finance, including non-financial uses in healthcare. The review highlights the potential of blockchain to improve data sharing, interoperability, and security in healthcare systems. Challenges associated with blockchain adoption in healthcare include transparency and confidentiality, speed and scalability, and the risk of 51% attacks. Proposed solutions include using permissioned blockchains, encrypting sensitive data, and leveraging smart contracts for automated data management. The review also discusses the benefits of blockchain compared to traditional distributed databases, emphasizing its potential to enhance data integrity, security, and privacy in healthcare applications. Overall, blockchain technology offers promising opportunities for improving healthcare systems, but careful design and implementation are necessary to address the challenges associated with its adoption. The review concludes that blockchain has the potential to significantly advance the biomedical and healthcare domains through innovative applications.