Proof-of-Work

Proof-of-Work

Startup Raises $3 Million to Build ‘Proof-of-Space-Time’ Blockchains

Spacemesh's "proof-of-space-time" (PoST) consensus protocol hopes to do away with mining pools and expensive GPU or ASIC-based miners.

Markets  ·  8 May 2018
Bitcoin

The Sidechains Breakthrough Almost Everyone in Bitcoin Missed

Though it's garnered little attention, "non-interactive proofs of proofs of work" may clear a roadblock for sidechains, a potential "altcoin killer."

Tech  ·  17 January 2018
Bitcoin

First Cash, Now Gold? Another Bitcoin Hard Fork Is on the Way

A plan to hard fork the bitcoin blockchain, and change its mining algorithm, is emerging. Still in its early stages, what does the new coin offer?

Tech  ·  27 September 2017
Mining

Space & Time: How BitTorrent’s Creator is Attacking Bitcoin Waste

Bitcoin's 'proof of work' validation mechanism burns a huge amount of energy, but this novel solution from developer Bram Cohen aims to change that.

Tech  ·  15 March 2017
Proof-of-Work

A (Short) Guide to Blockchain Consensus Protocols

Bitcoin's consensus mechanism is great, but it isn't perfect. This article looks at some of the more viable public blockchain alternatives.

Tech  ·  4 March 2017
Proof-of-Work

Rethinking Proof of Work: The Quest to ‘Improve’ Bitcoin Heats Up

The system that secures bitcoin, proof of work, demands vast amounts of energy – and that's a prize problem to solve, say researchers.

Tech  ·  29 January 2017
Banking

Intel is Winning Over Blockchain Critics By Reimagining Bitcoin’s DNA

A look at Intel's project inspired by bitcoin's proof-of-work.

Tech  ·  5 December 2016
Security

A Lower Block Time Could Help Bitcoin Scale, But Will It Work?

A small tweak to bitcoin could have a big impact.

Tech  ·  26 October 2016
Security

So, You Want to Use a Blockchain for That?

Is blockchain data 'true'? Blockchain consultant Antony Lewis breaks down these questions and more in a new opinion piece.

Markets  ·  22 July 2016
Proof-of-Work

Can Trust-Based Private Blockchains Be Trusted?

Researcher Bob Wolinsky looks at the challenges facing permissioned blockchains, arguing they are unable to provide immutable records.

Markets  ·  5 March 2016
Proof-of-Work

Bitcoin Pioneer and First Bitcoin Recipient Hal Finney Passes Away

Bitcoin pioneer Hal Finney passed away this week. In memory, CoinDesk looks back at his life and legacy.

Markets  ·  29 August 2014
Proof-of-Work

New Altcoin Promotes Fitness with ‘Proof of Sweat’

Mangocoinz uses exercise as proof of work, but how to stop the cheaters?

Business  ·  15 August 2014
Bitcoin

5 Global Problems Bitcoin’s Proof of Work Can Help Solve

Could there be better uses of cyrptocurrency proof of work rather than just solving arbitrary cryptographic problems?

Tech  ·  3 July 2014
Bitcoin

Trust in Bitcoin builds by solving one ‘puzzle’ at a time

What makes Bitcoin transactions secure and trustworthy? Computer security and cryptography expert Zulfikar Ramzan explains in this video from Khan Academy.

Tech  ·  31 May 2013