‍Psy Protocol Launches Public Testnet: Internet-Scale Web3 with Bitcoin Security Psy Protocol, formerly QED Protocol, has launched its public testnet, aiming to combine internet-scale throughput with Bitcoin-level security for Web3. The architecture demonstrates million-TPS in benchmarks, leveraging client-side zero-knowledge proofs and a scalable state architecture. The protocol introduces Proof-of-Useful-Work (PoUW), an evolution of Proof-of-Work that transforms mining into a value-creating process by generating proofs for transactions, ensuring robust security and avoiding PoS centralization risks. This aims to enable on-chain DeFi, agentic payments, and decentralized versions of Web2 platforms.
‍Shutter Deploys Threshold Encryption to Combat MEV on Gnosis Chain MEV (Maximal Extractable Value) allows sophisticated actors to profit by manipulating transaction order, leading to significant losses for users. Shutter has introduced a cryptographic solution using threshold encryption to shield transactions. Their protocol encrypts transactions before they enter the mempool, preventing manipulation until block finalization. While currently reliant on a permissioned committee and facing latency challenges, Shutter is evolving with plans for batched encryption and wider EVM chain integration.
‍GSR Strengthens US Presence with Broker-Dealer Acquisition GSR has entered into an agreement to acquire Equilibrium Capital Services, LLC, an SEC-registered broker-dealer. This strategic move is set to significantly enhance GSR’s U.S. services, providing regulated market access for institutional investors in the digital asset ecosystem. "With this transaction, we are strengthening our ability to serve entrepreneurs and institutional players with the trusted, regulated market access they need," stated Xin Song, CEO of GSR. The acquisition aligns with GSR's broader strategy to build robust, regulated infrastructure for digital assets, including partnerships for tokenized real-world assets and regulated structured products. This positions GSR at the forefront of the regulated U.S. crypto market, emphasizing the importance of regulated growth for widespread adoption.
‍Crypto's Pop Culture Journey: From Satire to Super Bowl Ads Cryptocurrency has transitioned from a niche digital concept to a prominent theme in pop culture, appearing in everything from "South Park" gags and "The Simpsons" explanations to high-profile Super Bowl commercials and celebrity endorsements. Early references often served as industry recognition, while later depictions have reflected market volatility and regulatory challenges. Notable moments include "South Park's" mockery of NFTs and Bitcoin, "The Simpsons'" educational segment on blockchain, and celebrity ads from Matt Damon for Crypto.com and Larry David for FTX. The 2022 Super Bowl saw a significant advertising blitz from various crypto firms, with Coinbase's QR code ad notably causing app crashes due to high demand.
‍Melania Trump Promotes Solana Memecoin Amid $31.5M Alleged Token Sales Melania Trump has endorsed the Solana-based memecoin MelaniaMeme (MELANIA), promoted as a "path into the future." This occurs amid allegations that project team wallets have sold $31.5 million worth of tokens without public explanation. Blockchain analysts observed significant selling patterns, including an alleged $30 million in community funds moved on April 7 and further sales totaling $1.5 million by April 28, following a price surge. The MELANIA token has declined over 90% from its launch price. Co-creator Hayden Davis has past associations with other controversial memecoins, including Libra (LIBRA), which saw an alleged $107 million insider cash-out, and a Wolf of Wall Street-themed memecoin that crashed 99%. These events highlight the risks in the volatile memecoin market and the demand for transparency.
‍Stablecoin Duopoly Weakens as New Contenders Emerge USDT and USDC's combined market share has fallen to 83.6%, down from a peak of 91.6% in March 2024. This decline is attributed to the rise of innovative stablecoins offering yields, such as Ethena's USDe. Traditional banks are also entering the market, with consortia like JPMorgan and Citigroup exploring collaborations. European banks are developing a euro-denominated stablecoin compliant with MiCA. This evolving landscape promises increased competition and diversification in the stablecoin ecosystem.
‍AI's $500 Billion Surge: Could Tether Be Crypto's Answer to OpenAI? OpenAI's recent $500 billion valuation highlights a growing overlap between AI and blockchain, both seen as crucial digital infrastructure. While OpenAI's valuation dwarfs many crypto entities, a recent estimate suggests stablecoin issuer Tether could potentially reach $515 billion if it were to go public. A synergistic future is emerging, with AI agents predicted to become major users of stablecoins. Over 70% of Q3 2025 stablecoin transactions were linked to bot activity, indicating AI's significant role. Crypto firm Galaxy Digital is investing in AI infrastructure with a $1.4 billion loan for its Texas datacenter. Challenges remain, including AI's substantial energy demands, which may necessitate innovative, decentralized solutions.
‍RAAC Integrates $200M in Tokenized Gold, Boosting DeFi RWA Sector RAAC has partnered with I-ON Digital Corp to integrate $200 million in tokenized gold (ION.au) onto its platform. This move positions RAAC among the top 15 RWA protocols by TVL and introduces pmUSD, a new stablecoin partially backed by ION.au. The integration enables new investment opportunities including gold-backed lending and auto-compounding DeFi vaults. RAAC is supported by Chainlink and Curve founder Michael Egorov, ensuring transparency and trust through Chainlink proof-of-reserves. RAAC founder Kevin Rusher stated, "This deal marks a historic moment for the integration of physical, real world assets from traditional to decentralized finance." I-ON Digital will also invest in RAAC and join the RWA Federation to guide the ecosystem's future development.
‍Eightco ($ORBS) Expands Investor Access with Options Trading, Bolsters Worldcoin Vision Eightco Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ORBS) has announced the launch of standardized options trading on its common stock on the Nasdaq Options Market, providing new avenues for investors. This follows significant growth for the World network, which now exceeds 17 million verified humans. Eightco's strategy focuses on accumulating Worldcoin (WLD) tokens and advancing Proof-of-Human (PoH) verification, aiming to establish a universal digital identity for the AI era. Chairman Dan Ives noted that options trading offers investors enhanced ways to engage with the company's momentum.