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Blockchain & Web3 Weekly Bytes Edition #32

PayPal's Crypto for Business, DeSci on the Rise, & U.S. Bitcoin Dominance

September 28, 2024

Hello Fellow Enthusiast,

Welcome to Edition #32 of Blockchain & Web3 Weekly Bytes! Here’s a snapshot of what’s trending this week:

  • Tech Spotlight: Decentralized Science (DeSci) — How blockchain is powering the next wave of scientific collaboration and data sharing.

  • Weekly Highlights: PayPal brings cryptocurrency services to business accounts, and Kamala Harris outlines a blockchain-focused economic plan for the U.S.

  • Affiliate Spotlight: Trezor Safe 3 — Your secure solution for safeguarding digital assets.

  • Chart of the Week: The U.S. is regaining its lead in Bitcoin holdings, driven by spot ETF demand.

🧐 Weekly Trivia

Which country became the first to make Bitcoin an official legal tender?

A) Venezuela
B) El Salvador
C) Switzerland
D) Singapore

 

*Find the answer at the end of this newsletter.

🌟 Tech Spotlight – Decentralized Science

 

Decentralized Science, or DeSci, is shaking up how research and data are shared, empowering scientists and institutions to collaborate without the traditional barriers that often slow progress. By leveraging blockchain, DeSci allows for the secure, transparent exchange of data, removing intermediaries and giving researchers more control over their work.

Real-World Example: AminoChain

 

A prime example is AminoChain, a decentralized biobank platform. Instead of relying on siloed databases and lengthy approval processes, AminoChain enables efficient collaboration between researchers globally. This kind of decentralized approach speeds up innovation in sectors like biotechnology and healthcare.

Why DeSci Matters

Think about it—traditional research is often locked behind paywalls or requires jumping through bureaucratic hoops. With DeSci, data is more freely accessible, ensuring that critical research can move faster, with scientists collaborating across borders. Blockchain ensures the security and authenticity of this data, making it tamper-proof and easily trackable.

From accelerating drug discovery to democratizing access to research, DeSci is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in science.

📰 This Week’s Blockchain and Web3 Highlights

PayPal Expands Crypto Services to Business Accounts: PayPal has enabled business accounts to buy, hold, sell, and transfer cryptocurrency, offering greater flexibility to companies looking to engage with digital assets.

Kamala Harris Aims for U.S. Leadership in Blockchain: Kamala Harris announced that her economic plan includes making the U.S. a dominant force in blockchain and digital assets, signaling a recommitment to leadership in emerging technologies.

 

BlackRock’s Bitcoin Holdings Near $24 Billion: BlackRock now holds nearly $24 billion in Bitcoin, accounting for 1.7% of the total available supply, reinforcing the growing institutional interest in digital assets.

Bitcoin Surges Above $66,000 on Positive Inflation Data: Bitcoin’s price broke past the $66,000 mark following positive inflation data, with the Fed’s PCE index showing better-than-expected results, adding bullish sentiment to the market.

A16z Backs AminoChain in First DeSci Investment: Andreessen Horowitz has made its first investment in Decentralized Science (DeSci) by backing AminoChain, a platform focused on creating a decentralized biobank to share medical data securely.

Guggenheim Tokenizes Commercial Paper on Ethereum: In a notable move, Guggenheim has issued its first digital commercial paper via Ethereum, further advancing the tokenization of real-world assets in traditional finance.

Spot Bitcoin ETF Options Could Impact Market Demand: Analysts believe the SEC’s approval of options for BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF could drive institutional demand, potentially leading to significant changes in the Bitcoin market.

🔗 Affiliate Spotlight: Trezor Safe 3

 

Searching for a reliable way to secure your crypto assets? The Trezor Safe 3 hardware wallet is designed with top-notch security and ease of use in mind. It’s perfect for both beginners and experienced users who want to keep their digital assets safe.

Why Trezor Safe 3?

 

  • Robust Security: Keep your assets offline, away from potential digital threats.

  • User-Friendly: Simple setup and intuitive interface, making it accessible for all levels of crypto users.

  • Multi-Asset Support: Store a wide range of cryptocurrencies, from Bitcoin to altcoins, all in one device.

If you’re serious about safeguarding your assets, check out the Trezor Safe 3 here.

😂 A Little Blockchain Humor Break 🤣

📊 Chart of the Week: U.S. Leads the Way in Bitcoin Holdings

The U.S. is regaining a commanding lead in Bitcoin reserves compared to other countries. This rise, driven by the increasing demand for spot Bitcoin ETFs, shows a significant shift in the market dynamics.

 

🔍 Key Observations:

  • U.S. Dominance on the Rise: As institutional interest grows, the U.S. is pulling ahead, with a notable increase in the reserve ratio compared to the rest of the world.

  • Spot ETF Influence: The demand for Bitcoin spot ETFs is playing a crucial role in this growth, especially as known entities accumulate more Bitcoin.

  • Global Implications: With the U.S. securing a stronger hold on Bitcoin reserves, we could see further shifts in the global market as other nations try to catch up.

This trend emphasizes the ongoing institutional push into Bitcoin, positioning the U.S. as a critical player in the future of digital assets.

Source: CryptoQuant

Thanks for tuning in to this week's edition! We've covered a range of important updates—from PayPal's latest move in crypto to Kamala Harris's blockchain ambitions and the U.S.'s growing role in Bitcoin holdings. We also explored how decentralized science is changing the way research is done.

Trivia Answer: B) El Salvador

El Salvador became the first country to make Bitcoin an official legal tender in 2021.

I hope this newsletter brought you value and fresh insights. Please feel free to share your thoughts or questions. See you next week for more updates, and don't forget to subscribe or share if you haven't yet!

Best,
Ajay Tomar

 

Disclaimer:

Content in this newsletter is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as financial, tax, or legal advice. Always do your research and consult with a professional before making financial decisions. As a solopreneur, I may earn commissions from affiliate links in this newsletter at no extra cost to you. This support helps me bring you valuable content. I only endorse products I trust and believe could benefit you.

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