Cardano News

The first joint report for Hydra and Mithril projects highlights progress since January 2024. Mithril released distribution 2408.0, with updates like SanchoNet network release and Cardano transaction certification. Enhanced support for Conway and SanchoNet was also implemented. Hydra saw roadmap changes, with significant updates including dropping JSON encoded transaction support, progress on the Hydra heads explorer, and work on incremental commit features. The team resolved a fanout bug discovered during hydra-chess development and deployed a Hydra explorer supporting multiple versions, though it currently supports only one version per network.

This week, the networking team integrated bootstrap peers with cardano-node for improved connectivity and enhanced the tx-submission logic. The consensus team addressed unnecessary block downloads, fixed a bug in the io-sim, and added support for configuring ledger state snapshots. The Hydra team advanced model-based testing, resolved validation issues, and integrated Haskell linting. The Mithril team developed a new data type for certifying Cardano transactions, enhanced browser verification with the WASM client, and deployed a new Mithril network on SanchoNet. SanchoNet focused on governance actions and tutorials. Project Catalyst announced a fun voting event to determine Fund12’s launch city and continued onboarding Fund11 projects. The education team delivered the Cardano Developer course and updated the Haskell Bootcamp course.

In this interview, Jasmine, CEO and co-founder of Rejuve.AI, provides insight into the project's mission to address human aging and longevity challenges. The decentralized research network uses AI and blockchain to reward data contributors, deliver personalized insights and establish connections with trusted providers in a Web3-based ecosystem for longevity.

The decision to launch on Cardano reflects their commitment to decentralization and governance. Jasmine discusses performance, highlights the unique features of the Longevity App and outlines the future roadmap.

The interview concludes with a look at the key partnerships contributing to Rejuve.AI's success. Lets dive right in!

Messari’s ‘State of Cardano’ Q4 2023 report shows significant growth, moving from 34th to 11th in total value locked ranking, with notable stablecoin developments and infrastructure progress. Catalyst Fund 11 results revealed 300 projects funded from 8,000 wallets casting over 300,000 votes. The Cardano Foundation’s initiatives in education and research are highlighted in a recent blog. Rejuve’s Developer Blog discusses using AI and blockchain to address aging. Other news includes FINMA’s stance on staking protocols, Plutus V3 on SanchoNet, and Charles Hoskinson’s insights on the crypto industry.

This week, the core technology teams released Cardano node v.8.8.0-pre, enabling Plutus V3 script testing on SanchoNet. DB-Sync began integration with the latest Cardano node version. The ledger team focused on fixes, testing, and developing the cuddle Haskell package for CDDL specification in Haskell. The Lace team addressed core API issues for an upcoming patch. The Plutus team improved the Plutus IR inliner, reducing script costs. The Hydra team worked on Conway support, deployed the Hydra explorer tool, and enhanced model-based testing. The Mithril team implemented a new data type for certifying transactions, upgraded the client library, and released a new Mithril network on SanchoNet. The release of Cardano node v.8.8.0-pre allows for experimentation with Plutus V3 on SanchoNet. Project Catalyst announced the results of Fund11, with 300 funded projects and a total of 1,647 projects in Catalyst history. The education team delivered the Cardano Developer Course with ABC and finalized the Marlowe Curriculum for Educators.

Plutus V3's launch on SanchoNet represents a pivotal advancement for Cardano, introducing substantial improvements in smart contract efficiency, developer experience, and cross-chain interoperability. This evolution from Plutus V1 through V3, driven by a need for higher throughput and enhanced functionality, showcases Cardano's commitment to fostering a scalable, developer-friendly ecosystem. Plutus V3 enhances Cardano's DeFi capabilities, supports complex applications, and integrates advanced cryptographic and governance features, reinforcing its position as a leading blockchain platform for innovation and community-driven development.

This week, the networking team integrated bootstrap peer changes, fixed CDDL errors, and improved tx-submission logic. The consensus team advanced UTXO-HD and epoch structure for Conway. Lace prepared for v.1.9 release. Plutus improved error reporting. Hydra and Mithril teams made significant progress, and SanchoNet updated governance features. Catalyst finished Fund11 voting.

The Cardano Foundation published its 2023 Activity Report, highlighting key projects and operational resilience. The Voltaire Governance Parameter Survey invites community input on Cardano’s on-chain governance. AHLNET, led by Ola Ahlman, is featured in “Spotlight on Stake Pools.” Other news includes the DRep Workshop in Indianapolis, Project Catalyst Fund11 voting, cross-chain swaps by DexHunter, ERC20 token functionality, and the first Cardano Capture The Flag event.

This week, the DB Sync team tested a new version for mainnet and integrated Conway functionality. The Marlowe team optimized performance, resolved Wolfram oracle references, and updated security documents. Hydra conducted roadmapping and improved APIs. Mithril enhanced transaction certification and node communications. Voltaire enabled stake pool operator voting and fixed critical bugs. Project Catalyst continued Fund11 voting, and the education team planned developer training with ABC.

Since November 2023, the Hydra project has made significant progress. Version 0.15.0 was released, featuring offline mode and Conway support. The team also prepared for running Cardano nodes in P2P mode, with non-P2P relays shutting down in January 2024. Notable developments include API changes, removing JSON transactions in favor of CBOR encoding, and ongoing work on Hydra Chess to refine the DApp workflow. Additionally, the Hydra Explorer was initiated to track Hydra heads. The team is also involved in community events like the upcoming Cardano Buidler Fest and supporting Catalyst projects, including streaming API and Hydra auctions.