This podcast discuss a Nature's article that investigates the threat that quantum computing poses to blockchain networks. It explores how quantum computers could be used to break existing cryptographic algorithms used in blockchain, specifically highlighting the vulnerabilities of digital signatures and communication protocols. The authors propose an end-to-end framework for post-quantum blockchain networks, which involves incorporating quantum entropy for key generation, generating post-quantum certificates, and establishing quantum-resistant TLS tunnels between nodes. The framework also introduces a post-quantum signature verification protocol, which they implement in an Ethereum-based network called LAC Chain. The article concludes with a discussion of the performance and scalability of their proposed solutions, demonstrating their practicality for securing blockchain networks from quantum adversaries.

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Reference

Allende, M., León, D.L., Cerón, S. et al. Quantum-resistance in blockchain networks. Sci Rep 13, 5664 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-32701-6

This podcast discusses on an academic article, which examines the market microstructure of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and addresses concerns about market manipulation and the legal status of NFTs. The authors discuss factors influencing NFT price formation and discovery, including fixed price and timed auctions, and how market structure impacts the speed and quality of price discovery. They highlight the importance of transparency and disclose how wash-trading techniques are used to manipulate the NFT market. Finally, the article explores the application of the Howey test to determine whether NFTs should be considered securities and delves into legal and regulatory implications surrounding intellectual property, taxes, and sales tax.

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Reference

Mukhopadhyay, Mayukh and Ghosh, Kaushik, Market Microstructure of Non Fungible Tokens (October 1, 2021). Five Shades of Emerging Business Cases, Eliva Press (Nov 2021), ISBN: 978-1-63648-395-5, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3934676 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3934676

This podcast discusses a case study that examines the use of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) by Nike to combat counterfeiting. The authors first describe the large global market for counterfeit goods, including the methods and factors that contribute to its growth. They then introduce Nike's Cryptokick patent, which leverages NFTs to create digital representations of physical shoes, allowing for unique identification and ownership tracking on a blockchain. The study explores how these digital assets can be used to enhance brand engagement and fight counterfeiting, as well as the fast-track patent process Nike used to secure its Cryptokick patent.

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Reference

Mukhopadhyay, Mayukh and Ghosh, Kaushik, A Curious Case of Cryptokick (July 20, 2020). Five Shades of Emerging Business Cases, Eliva Press (Nov 2021), ISBN: 978-1-63648-395-5, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3656147 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3656147

This podcast goes beyond Mayukh Mukhopadhyay’s Ethereum Smart Contract Development and outlines the transition of the Ethereum blockchain from Proof of Work (PoW) to Proof of Stake (PoS), a significant shift that has fundamentally changed the network’s energy consumption, scalability, and overall performance. The text explores the limitations of PoW, explains the advantages of PoS, and traces Ethereum’s evolution from 2018 to 2024, highlighting key milestones like the launch of the Beacon Chain and the Merge, which successfully integrated PoS into the Ethereum network. The appendix also discusses the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Ethereum as it continues to grow and adapt to the changing landscape of blockchain technology.

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Reference - https://ethereum.org/en/developers/docs/consensus-mechanisms/pos/

This podcast explores advanced topics related to Ethereum and blockchains, providing a deeper understanding of smart contract development, decentralized autonomous entities (DACs and DAS), and emerging technologies like Tangle. It discusses design patterns used in smart contract development, such as access restriction and factory patterns, and explains the difference between DAOs, DACs, and DAS. The chapter also delves into the Ethereum Improvement Proposal (EIP) process, highlighting the life cycle of proposals and their importance in the Ethereum ecosystem. Finally, it explores consortium blockchains, specifically R3 Corda, and introduces Tangle technology, the foundation for the Iota cryptocurrency.

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This podcast on Chapter-09-BaaS-and-Dark-Web provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain technology, exploring its various types, its application in the dark web market, and the burgeoning field of blockchain-as-a-service (BaaS). The text begins by explaining the different types of blockchains – public, private, and consortium – and discusses the permission spectrum, a crucial aspect of their implementation. It then examines BaaS platforms like IBM Hyperledger, Microsoft Azure, and Amazon Eris, highlighting how they simplify the development and deployment of blockchain applications. Finally, the excerpt delves into the dark web, revealing its role in facilitating money laundering through anonymous transactions, and concludes with a discussion of the ethical challenges posed by the technology’s potential for both good and ill.

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This podcast explores the concept of the "Internet of Money" and how this technology can disrupt various industries. It presents 18 use cases for blockchains and 12 use cases for smart contracts, showcasing their potential in areas like banking, insurance, supply chain management, charity, and even voting systems. The chapter further demonstrates the practical implementation of smart contracts by designing and deploying a decentralized microblogging platform on a private blockchain. This platform uses a command-line interface and provides anonymous tweeting functionality, highlighting the security and administrative benefits of decentralized technology.

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This podcast on the chapter "Developing a Cryptocurrency From Scratch" focuses on the difference between cryptocurrencies and tokens, specifically on Ethereum. It explores the development of ERC20-compatible tokens using the Truffle framework, and explains how arbitrage trading can be applied to cryptocurrencies. The chapter also discusses initial coin offerings (ICOs) and how to distinguish between legitimate ones and scams, Ponzi schemes, and faucets. Finally, it examines the Crypterium ICO and its Fiat2Crypto and Crypto2Crypto exchange features, as well as the impact of the Parity hack, highlighting the importance of secure token storage and peer review.

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This podcast focus on the chapter -Primer to Web3.js - introduces the Web3.js library and explains its role in connecting web browsers to the Ethereum blockchain. The text explores the differences between geth, Web3.js, and Mist, demonstrating how Web3.js uses JSON-RPC to facilitate communication. The chapter then dissects the structure of the Web3.js library, highlighting its modules such as web3-eth, web3-shh, web3-bzz, and web3-utils. It concludes with a practical example of running a smart contract using Web3.js and examines the design of an ownership contract.

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This podcast focuses on smart contracts, their design, and their role in decentralised applications (DApps). The chapter provides a detailed explanation of smart contract concepts, addressing common misconceptions, exploring various design models, and highlighting the importance of code, auditing, and compliance. The text further dives into the Solidity programming language, its design choices, and the nuances of its syntax, features, and limitations. The chapter concludes by examining a real-world example – the Parity wallet hack – to illustrate potential vulnerabilities in smart contract design and the need for rigorous auditing.

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