Bybit launched the Bybit Merch Creative Challenge for university students worldwide, offering a $50,000 USDT prize pool.

The S&P 500 dropped 0.22% on Thursday, its fifth straight decline, with investors eyeing Friday’s economic updates. Coindesk Indices, an index measuring broader cryptocurrency market performance was up by 2.03%, with Bitcoin and Ether rising by 2.79% and 2.70%, respectively in the past 24 hours.

Today's top performer is XRP, which surged 1.9% following a rise in price driven by increased open interest and positive market sentiment.

Ripple (XRP), launched in August 2012, is a blockchain technology company focused on improving international payments with its cryptocurrency, XRP. XRP price surged due to increased open interest, a major XRP transfer, and market sentiment linked to Trump's inauguration. Bullish momentum is supported by high short liquidations, with key resistance levels to watch for further price movement.

Check Out the Latest Prices, Charts, and Data of 

 for university students worldwide, offering a $50,000 USDT prize pool. Participants can design exclusive Bybit merchandise, with submissions open until Jan. 15, 2025. Winners will be announced on Feb. 1, 2025, across four prize categories.

Yesterday, Bitcoin Spot ETFs recorded a total inflow of $84.8M, driven by $107.9M from non-GBTC funds, partially offset by a $23.1M outflow from GBTC.

, offering an airdrop for participants who complete tasks like swapping and bridging using the Mango wallet. Points earned through tasks determine airdrop rewards. Join via the Mango wallet and follow steps on the testnet dashboard.

Beginner

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Bybit Launches $50,000 Merch Design Challenge for University Students Worldwide

Berachain is a high-performance Layer 1 blockchain that utilizes a Proof-of-Liquidity consensus mechanism to align network security with ecosystem liquidity.

Liquidity fragmentation and capital inefficiency create critical bottlenecks for 

 (PoS) systems locking assets away from productive use. To address this fundamental challenge, Berachain has introduced a novel Proof-of-Liquidity 

 that aligns network security with ecosystem liquidity.

This article explores Berachain's innovative architecture, tri-token system and native DeFi applications that could reshape liquidity provision. We'll examine the project's evolution from an 

, and evaluate its potential impact as it approaches mainnet launch.

 is a high-performance Layer 1 blockchain that utilizes a Proof-of-Liquidity consensus mechanism to align network security with ecosystem liquidity, while maintaining 

-identical execution for seamless Ethereum compatibility.

Proof-of-Liquidity (PoL) addresses a critical flaw in traditional PoS systems: the misalignment of incentives. PoS validators earn rewards without engaging with protocols or users while projects retain most tokens for themselves, creating a fragmented ecosystem that limits growth.

PoL establishes a framework whereby network security and liquidity work together. The system requires validators and liquidity providers to collaborate, with validators distributing rewards to liquidity pools and providers earning governance rights through active participation.

On Berachain, PoL operates through a simple cycle:

This innovative mechanism ensures that all Berachain ecosystem participants share in the network's success. Validators seek delegations to boost rewards, protocols offer incentives to attract liquidity and providers earn governance rights through active participation. The result is an ecosystem in which security, liquidity and growth reinforce each other.

Berachain began unexpectedly as Bong Bears, a community-driven NFT project launched in August 2021 by anonymous developers Papa Bear and Smokey the Bera. What started as a playful experiment with a 0.0694 ETH mint price evolved into serious innovation.

The team, joined by Dev Bear, transformed their thriving NFT community into a foundation for tackling DeFi's fundamental challenges, developing a sophisticated L1 platform powered by a PoL consensus. The project's ambition has attracted substantial investment across multiple rounds. In December 2022, Polychain Capital led a $42 million Series A with participation from Hack VC, dao5, Tribe Capital and others.

Following continued development and an undisclosed raise of funds in April 2023, Berachain secured a $100 million Series B in March 2024, backed by Brevan Howard, Framework Ventures, Samsung Next and other prominent investors through a Simple Agreement for Future Tokens (SAFT).

Berachain aims to advance DeFi through critical infrastructure improvements:

By addressing these core challenges, Berachain attempts to establish a new foundation for DeFi whereby network security, capital efficiency and application development work harmoniously to drive sustainable growth.

Berachain operates via the following three key mechanisms.

Unlike EVM-compatible chains that require modifications, Berachain maintains perfect identity with Ethereum's execution layer. Using unmodified clients, such as Geth and Nethermind, Berachain automatically inherits all of Ethereum's capabilities and upgrades.

Berachain's PoL consensus mechanism establishes a sophisticated framework that aligns network security with ecosystem liquidity through a multi-stage process:

 is Berachain's modular consensus framework that integrates CometBFT with any EVM execution environment. Through the Engine API, it enables perfect EVM identity while delivering significant performance improvements.

Built for extensibility, BeaconKit's modular architecture supports custom block builders, rollup layers and data availability solutions. This flexibility serves as a foundation for both L1 and 

 (DApps) to showcase the platform's PoL mechanics while providing essential DeFi infrastructure.

 model. It features dynamic trading fees (0.05–1%) that adjust to asset volatility, while directing 0.1% of all volume to BGT holders.

BEX's innovative gasless transaction system allows users to pay fees in their traded assets rather than in BERA, reducing friction for new users. It enables complex trading strategies through account abstraction (a feature of blockchain that allows users to manage accounts and wallets via 

) and off-chain relayers while maintaining cost efficiency.

 serves as Berachain's native lending protocol, exclusively utilizing HONEY (the Berachain ecosystem’s native stablecoin) as its borrowing currency. This focused approach creates a natural demand for HONEY while maintaining lending market efficiency.

Bend’s risk-adjusted borrowing system lets users collateralize various crypto assets to access HONEY loans. Uniquely, borrowers receive BGT rewards directly through the protocol, creating a powerful incentive for participation while strengthening the platform's governance structure.

 is Berachain's decentralized perpetuals trading platform, in which all positions, collateral and payouts are denominated in HONEY. The platform supports leveraged trading up to 100x, while maintaining a simple, unified experience.

Berps demonstrates Berachain's PoL in action. Liquidity providers deposit HONEY into the 

 vault to serve as trade counterparties, earning both trading fees and BGT emissions. This creates a sustainable balance between trading activity and liquidity depth.

Berachain implements a tri-token architecture to optimize network operations:

 (Berachain Governance Token) is a nontransferable token that powers network governance. Unlike traditional governance tokens, BGT can only be earned through active liquidity provision in approved Reward Vaults, creating a merit-based system in which influence scales with contribution.

 is Berachain's foundational token with two critical functions: powering network transactions as the native gas token and securing the network through validator staking. The total value of staked BERA creates the base layer of security that BGT's liquidity incentives enhance.

, is soft-pegged to the U.S. dollar. The stablecoin maintains its value through a dynamic collateralization process with the following features:

As the Berachain project approaches mainnet, which the team playfully hints will arrive in "Q5" (community shorthand for Q1 2025), community members can start engaging through pre-mainnet vaults managed by crypto staking protocols Concrete, Lombard and StakeStone.

, whereby protocols establish liquidity commitments before launch. Shortly after Boyco's completion, Berachain will deploy its mainnet, with vault positions automatically transitioning to native protocols like Kodiak and Dolomite.

Berachain introduces a fundamental rethinking of DeFi liquidity through its novel Proof-of-Liquidity consensus. By weaving liquidity incentives into core network operations, the platform creates an ecosystem in which validators, protocols and users naturally collaborate toward sustainable growth.

With this architectural breakthrough, the Berachain network could potentially establish a new standard for Layer 1 platforms whereby sustainable liquidity becomes a catalyst for innovation, rather than a constraint.

Intermediate

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Berachain: An EVM-Identical L1 Powered by Proof-of-Liquidity

Big moves for $SOLO as its perpetuals are now live on Bybit. Traders can now leverage SOLO/USDT trading pairs, allowing for more precision and confidence in their trades. 

Daily Top Performer —  Peaq Network (PEAQ)

The S&P 500 was closed on Wednesday. Coindesk Indices, an index measuring broader cryptocurrency market performance was up by 2.44%, with Bitcoin and Ether rising by 1.26% and 0.41%, respectively in the past 24 hours.

Today's top performer is PEAQ, which surged 33.8% after the announcement that Peaq Surpasses L2s in 2025, Driven by DePIN and Machine Economy Growth.

Peaq Network (PEAQ), launched in November 2024, is a Layer 1 blockchain for DePINs and Machine RWAs, hosting 3M+ devices, 50+ projects, and $1B+ in value. According to Messari, Peaq, with a $2.1B FDV in 2025, 

 by leveraging L1 valuations, DePIN, RWA, and AI narratives. DePIN rises to a top-3 sector, fueled by the Machine Economy and real-world AI agents.

. Traders can now leverage SOLO/USDT trading pairs, allowing for more precision and confidence in their trades. This launch opens up new opportunities for trading with leverage on the platform.

Yesterday, the Bitcoin Spot ETF market was closed for the holiday.

 details for the $SONIC TGE and airdrop. Eligible participants include Sonic testnet users and Sonic AVS delegators. The eligibility checker opens on January 3rd, 2025, and the TGE launch is on January 7th, 2025. A total of 2.4 billion $SONIC tokens will be issued, with 7% reserved for the airdrop. The snapshot for the airdrop was taken on December 31st, 2024.

$SOLO Perpetuals Go Live on Bybit, Unlocking Leveraged Trading Opportunities

Moonray, a futuristic action role-playing game built on the Cardano blockchain, features multiplayer combat and collectible NFTs. Learn more about it here.

 (MNRY) is the subject of the latest buzz in blockchain gaming, with its thrilling post-apocalyptic arenas and immersive gameplay. This futuristic, action role-playing game (RPG) built on the 

 blockchain combines intense multiplayer combat with the power of 

 and decentralized ownership. In this article, we’ll delve into 

s origins, gameplay mechanics and tokenomics, and analyze the potential of the MNRY token as an investment. 

, a futuristic action role-playing game built on the Cardano blockchain, features multiplayer combat and collectible NFTs. In this 

 game, players engage in team battles and melee combat for a chance to earn NFTs and tokens. 

 is the brainchild of Moonray PBC, a game developer founded by 

. The Moonray PBC team envisioned an RPG that would provide a unique and immersive gaming experience by combining traditional gameplay with 

. The idea is to promote digital ownership and decentralized experiences, giving players more control and involvement within their gaming. 

In March 2022, select players began testing the game on PC, paving the way for the alpha version's release on the Epic Games Store in July 2024. Since its inception, 

 has secured $10 million in funding, with backing from major players like Animoca Brands and Polygon Ventures.

 seeks to tackle challenges to the mass adoption of blockchain games by delivering a more immersive, rewarding and sustainable gaming experience with the following features:

s third-person multiplayer combat game immerses players in a surreal, post-apocalyptic sci-fi universe. Initially, it was being developed on 

 network, with a core focus on fighting and role-playing elements. However, the game has since shifted to a competitive multiplayer combat arena format and moved to the Cardano blockchain to better meet its infrastructure needs.

s gameplay consists of intense, fast-paced arena battles that blend melee and ranged combat. Players can master an array of weapons, from agile sabers and powerful cleavers to precise blasters and explosive cannons. Each weapon comes with its own unique combo sequences and special moves, challenging players to think strategically and time their actions perfectly. A novel dynamic movement system features a grappling hook that allows players to traverse environments swiftly, escape danger or gain tactical advantages during combat.

The game’s integration of blockchain technology introduces game-changing innovation. Since players can truly own their in-game assets as NFTs, they can mint, collect and trade items on platforms such as 

 also incorporates token-based wagering, further heightening the stakes by giving competitive players the opportunity to bet tokens on matches. 

 is set in a vividly rendered sci-fi world filled with dynamic environments and interactive elements. Players can confront environmental hazards, upgrade characters and personalize their experience with customizable skins and weapon enhancements. This granular attention to detail enhances the game’s immersive quality, giving every battle a uniquely engaging feel.

 benefits from scalability, low transaction costs and a secure infrastructure, ensuring a smooth and efficient gaming experience for all participants.

 mode, players are thrust into a chaotic, free-for-all battle in which the goal is simple yet exhilarating: eliminate as many opponents as possible. Up to eight players compete in a high-stakes, fast-paced environment, each vying for the top spot by scoring the highest number of eliminations before the clock runs out. This mode emphasizes quick reflexes, sharp strategy and adaptability, as players try to outgun their opponents while navigating the dynamic battlefield with precision. 

In Team Deathmatch mode, players form teams of four (4v4) and collaborate to defeat rival teams in intense, tactical battles. Unlike the free-for-all chaos of Deathmatch mode, Team Deathmatch places a premium on teamwork, communication and strategic planning. In order to succeed, players must coordinate their movements, synchronize attacks and support one another on both offense and defense. Every member’s role becomes crucial as the team works together to outmaneuver the opposition and secure victory. 

Objective-Based modes shift the focus from simple elimination to completing specific tasks that demand both combat prowess and strategic coordination. Teams must work together to accomplish objectives, such as capturing key points, securing specific areas or completing missions within a set time frame. Success in these modes takes more than simply fighting, requiring careful tactical planning, precise timing and seamless teamwork. Players must balance offense with defense in order to control critical objectives — while preventing the opposing team from doing the same. 

 has achieved several key milestones since its inception:

 standard. It’s used to purchase battle passes, unlock in-game assets and participate in tournaments and prize fights. Players can also use MNRY to create NFTs from in-game assets and trade them on marketplaces. MNRY tokens are also required for 

 to participate in governance through the Moonray DAO.

The total supply of MNRY is capped at 1 billion tokens, with no further issuance planned (in order to maintain scarcity and value). Token distribution is as follows:

 $0.1168 and $0.1716 by the end of 2024, with an average price of $0.1421. By 2025, it could reach a high of $0.3121, and by 2030 it’s projected to peak at $0.3001.

Analysts at DigitalCoinPrice offer a slightly more optimistic outlook, 

 $0.22 by the end of 2024 and climb to around $0.27 by the end of 2025. By 2030, they estimate the token could soar to $0.83.

Looking to trade the MNRY token? Bybit now offers the MNRY/USDT Spot trading pair. To get started, you’ll first need to sign up for a Bybit account, then fund it with cryptocurrency and navigate to the 

To celebrate this listing, Bybit is holding 

 in which you can earn a share of a 5,000,000 MNRY prize pool. In addition, collect puzzle pieces in the 

 adventure to win from another 5,000,000 MNRY prize pool.

MNRY presents a promising investment opportunity, thanks to its strong utility within the 

 ecosystem, where it’s used for in-game purchases, NFTs and staking for governance. The game’s solid backing (including $10 million in funding and strategic partnerships), coupled with its blockchain integration for true asset ownership, provides a compelling foundation. 

Additionally, the MNRY token’s finite supply and growing market projections indicate potential value appreciation. However, as with any investment, consider the risk involved, especially given the volatility of the gaming and cryptocurrency sectors.

s MNRY token and innovative gaming model are bridging the gap between traditional gameplay and blockchain technology. The game presents a fresh frontier for both players and investors, unlocking exciting opportunities for those who believe in the future of decentralized gaming. Whether you’re diving into the game’s action as a player or exploring it as an investment, 

 is definitely a project to watch, and its post-apocalyptic battlegrounds are ready. Are you prepared to claim your victory?

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Moonray (MNRY): Battle for Rewards in a Post-Apocalyptic Arena

Bybit Learn

Blockchain

Explainers

Altcoins

The Data Ownership Protocol (DOP) helps enhance your data privacy using advanced cryptographic techniques for secure, selective blockchain data protection.

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The public nature of transaction data and wallet balances is among the biggest advantages of 

. It's widely believed that the public viewability of blockchains helps improve transparency and accountability within the overall ecosystem. However, in many cases, overly transparent access to blockchain data may not be in the best interests of users, both individuals and companies leveraging blockchain platforms for their operations.

Data Ownership Protocol (DOP) is a recently launched Ethereum-based solution that helps users protect their blockchain data from public view, and also enables them to selectively disclose only certain aspects of their transaction histories and balances. Using cryptographic encryption technologies, such as the Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) and Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge (zk-SNARK), the protocol puts 

 users in total control of their blockchain data, allowing them to conduct transactions securely and privately.

 (DOP) is a decentralized initiative that allows users to selectively protect parts or all of their transaction and wallet activity on the 

The protocol launched its beta mainnet operations on Ethereum in May 2024. Using DOP, users of Ethereum-based 

 (DApps) can integrate with DOP’s solution to protect their transaction activity and histories, token holdings and other critical information from public view. These DApps may include 

, prediction markets and other types of apps whose users might opt for financial privacy.

DOP is among the newest and most comprehensive privacy-focused solutions in the blockchain space. The protocol uses two cutting-edge cryptographic solutions — ECDSA and zk-SNARKs — to protect user data and transactions. And the best part is that users can choose which parts of their blockchain interactions and histories to make private.

Both individual users and businesses can benefit from DOP's selective and innovative approach to privacy protection in web3. For instance, individuals can earn crypto income and conduct 

 (DeFi) transactions without revealing their financial details to potential criminals or online data harvesters. At the same time, those who would like to provide transparent proof of their crypto holdings or transaction histories — for example, NFT creators showcasing their successful past deals — can selectively choose to reveal certain parts of their blockchain data.

Similarly, businesses can decide which parts of their transaction and holdings data to protect in order to maintain business and client confidentiality, as well as which elements to selectively open to the public to demonstrate their track record, credit worthiness or financial reserves.

An interesting feature of DOP is "smart bouncers,” a technology that shields wallets using DOP from incoming funds containing "tainted crypto” (a term that refers to crypto funds with origins in criminal and illicit activity).

One of the two main cryptographic encryption mechanisms used by DOP to protect user data, ECDSA is essentially an algorithm for creating digital signatures to verify data authenticity. When a DOP user encrypts, decrypts or transfers data using DOP’s protocol, the user generates signed data using their private key. This data is verified within the protocol's 

 using the ECDSA algorithm. The transaction will be approved only if the data's validity is confirmed using ECDSA.

zk-SNARK is a technology used to validate certain data without having to reveal it to a counterparty. On DOP’s platform, zk-SNARKs are used to validate the authenticity of ecosystem users without publicly sharing their identities, asset holdings or other private information. DOP implements a zero-knowledge 

 (KYC) solution, based on zk-SNARKs, that protects users' privacy while ensuring that only valid users can leverage the platform's services.

All transfers on the DOP protocol attract a fixed fee of 10 DOP (the platform's native token). Encrypted and decrypted transactions to/from participating external DApps take an additional modest fee of 0.1% of the transaction amount, paid in the native token of the DApp being used. Then, 75% of the converted amount is 

 to maintain the scarcity of the DOP token's supply, while the remaining 25% is distributed to DOP 

The protocol's native crypto, DOP, is an 

 token that debuted on Jul 5, 2024. Bybit is the first 

 (CEX) to list DOP. One essential function of the DOP token is to make fee payments when using the DOP protocol. Internal transactions attract a fee paid directly in DOP, while encrypted and decrypted transactions collect fees in other tokens, attached with a fee of 10 DOP.

As noted above, DOP can be used for staking, with stakers entitled to 25% of the protocol revenue fees. Another crucial function of the token is 

. DOP holders can participate in polls on any changes and suggestions for improvement to the protocol. Each user's voting weight is determined by the amount of DOP they hold, and users can indicate their support (or lack thereof) for any change being polled by using a simple system of upvotes and downvotes.

 token, with a maximum and total supply of over 23 billion. The token's supply distribution shares are per the chart below.

Essentially, the more active you are as a Data Ownership Protocol platform user, the more rewards you'll earn.

) on Bybit's Adventure Zone Spot market, which allows you to trade early-stage, promising crypto assets with high growth potential, coupled with higher risk levels. Maximum and minimum investment levels are implemented in the Zone to control risks and protect investors. 

The Adventure Zone is accessible through your Bybit account's main interface as a sub-option under the 

 on Bybit to distinguish it from the Dominican Peso. However, its on-chain contract will continue to display its ticker as 

The DOP token is also available for trade via a USDT Perpetual Contract (

) on Bybit with up to 12.5x leverage. This contract can be traded via Futures bots, such as Futures Grid, Futures Martingale and Futures Combo.

dedicated to the DOP1 token to earn a variety of rewards. The first event, running through Jul 18, 2024, 8AM UTC, features a 50,000,000 DOP1 prize pool, and lets you earn DOP1 

 by completing social quests and inviting new users to sign up with Bybit and participate in these social quests. 

Meanwhile, the second event, which ends on Jul 19, 2024, 8AM UTC, is offering a prize pool of 35,000,000 DOP1. It’s separated into two parts, a new-user exclusive deposit event and a trading event. 

As of Jul 17, 2024, the DOP token is trading at $0.01145, which is 42.5% lower than its ATH of $0.02002 on Jul 11, 2024, and 45.4% higher than its ATL of $0.007925 on Jul 7, 2024.

Long-term price forecasts for DOP are generally bullish. PricePrediction 

 to trade at a maximum of $0.0275 in 2025 and $0.1943 in 2030, whileDigitalCoinPrice 

In a world where bots are actively employed to harvest user data 24/7, DOP is a welcome innovation that protects individuals and businesses from the prying eyes of scammers and advertisers. The protocol provides the much-needed capability to secure private data, a functionality that isn't a default feature of blockchain technology. 

As of the time of this writing (Jul 16, 2024), Data Ownership Protocol has been launched on Ethereum, but the DOP team has bold plans to expand its footprint to other 

 (EVM)-compatible chains as well. We've had privacy-protecting web3 solutions in the past, but Data Ownership Protocol has come up with something truly innovative — the concept of selective disclosure.

Data Ownership Protocol (DOP): Enhancing Control Over Your Data Privacy

Grab Up to 5,000 USDT in Rewards

Grab Up to 5,000 USDT in Rewards