# Satoshi Scoop Weekly, 31 May 2024 ## Crypto Insights ### [`OP_CAT`: Valuable Yet Not the Optimal Next Step for Bitcoin Alone](https://bitcoinmagazine.com/technical/op-cat-and-the-infinite-nothing-) * The article debunks misconceptions about `OP_CAT`, suggesting that it should be used for what it's good for, e.g., the equivalent of `OP_CHECKSEPARATESIG`, checking Merkle inclusion proofs, and combining data for signature verification with `OP_CHECKSIGFROMSTACK`. * It addresses miner extractable value (MEV) concerns and potential centralization risks in constructs like hash rate escrows. ### [Why There’s No ZK in Bitcoin](https://x.com/n1ckler/status/1793656577637118308) * Bitcoin faces challenges, but changing Bitcoin remains hard (and that is good). * SNARKs offer potential solutions. Plausible approaches to integrating SNARKs into Bitcoin include BitVM and re-enabling opcodes, both requiring further development and community consensus. * The slides are available [here](https://nickler.ninja/slides/2024-zkproof6.pdf) and the video can be found on [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrSCZmFuy7U). ### [3-Layer Structure of Web5 by Binding Nostr and CKB](https://github.com/RetricSu/nostr-binding/blob/main/docs/lightpaper.md) * This proposal introduces a protocol binding Nostr's simplistic basic data structure to the programmable Common Knowledge Base (CKB) blockchain, enabling Nostr native data to inherit UTXO/Cell features on CKB and offering new on-chain opportunities. * A new development paradigm for dApps is also introduced, integrating off-chain and on-chain data into a single consistent system, contrasting with Ethereum's dual-system approach. * It outlines the 3-layer structure for Web5 as below: ![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1717033470310/e23ff56d-9c78-4137-92ce-6eedc785e92b.png align="center") ### [Defending Bitcoin Rights: The Digital Second Amendment](https://bitcoinmagazine.com/legal/digital-second-amendment-preserving-bitcoin-rights) * The initiative led by the Satoshi Action Fund seeks to protect commercial crypto-mining from local regulations, likening the proposed "Right to Mine" bills to the Second Amendment, both seeking to limit government interference and safeguard individual rights. ### [Most Self-Claimed Bitcoin Layer 2 Solutions Are Centralized Sidechains](https://bitcoinmagazine.com/technical/bitcoin-layer2-sidechains)? * Many projects claiming to be Bitcoin Layer 2 solutions rely on centralized sidechains for performance and have introduced trust assumptions. * While some projects are honest about their centralized approach, many misrepresent their designs as resembling modular constructions seen in other ecosystems like Ethereum. ### [Analysis of Replacement Cycling Attacks Risks on L2s Beyond LN](https://gnusha.org/pi/bitcoindev/ca8d99a0-c445-4af3-854d-4ce524434b4bn@googlegroups.com/T/#u#m6328f00ee98dacca93e5d49f235549791f753b35) * Detailed exploration of non-lightning Bitcoin use cases susceptible to replacement cycling attacks, primarily from a denial-of-service perspective, sheds light on the vulnerability within various Bitcoin applications and protocols. ### Bitcoin Optech #304: [Upgrading LN Channels Without Closing & Reopening](https://bitcoinops.org/en/newsletters/2024/05/24/?ref=nobsbitcoin.com) * A summary and analysis of existing proposals for upgrading existing LN channels to support new features, including changing parameters, updating commitments, and replacing funding. * The author suggests initiating work on parameter and commitment upgrades using dynamic commitments, regardless of the chosen approach for upgrading to taproot channels. This strategy enables the transition to `option_zero_fee_htlc_tx` anchor channels and establishes a commitment format upgrade mechanism for future V3 channels. ### [We Are in the Cycle of Culture Where Meme Coins Lead](https://x.com/tradetheflow_/status/1792827757547892907) * Crypto's attention economy is driven by meme coins, which act as an affordable social lottery system. * "No fundamental" is not a bug, but a feature. ## Top Reads on Blockchain and Beyond ### [`OP_CAT` & Bitcoin Ossification With Blockstream’s Andrew Poelstra](https://bitcoinmagazine.com/technical/op-cat-poelstra-ossification) * Discuss between Shinobi and Andrew Poelstra on [Rusty Russell's Bitcoin script restoration project](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOzMYoIBJlc). * Introduction of a new opcode costing model to reflect the true cost of script execution by assigning different costs to opcodes based on their computational requirements. * Addressing the challenge of building consensus within the Bitcoin developer community regarding the need for changes like Rusty's proposal, despite concerns about Bitcoin ossification and resistance to protocol changes. ### [How To Prepare My Phone for a Protest? (Updated 2024)](https://themarkup.org/the-breakdown/2024/05/04/how-do-i-prepare-my-phone-for-a-protest-updated-2024) * Before joining a demonstration, consider privacy risks such as location tracking and unencrypted communication interception (e.g., SMS). * Safeguard privacy by using encrypted messaging apps, disabling location tracking, and using passcode instead of biometric authentication. See the full [cheat sheet](https://mrkp-static-production.themarkup.org/uploads/2024/05/prepmyphone-2024.pdf) for more details. ### [Blazing the Trails: Improving LND Pathfinding Reliability](https://lightning.engineering/posts/2024-05-23-pathfinding-2/) * Introduction of a bimodal model, an alternative estimator, to improve predictability and flexibility of pathfinding in Lightning Network Daemon (LND). * This distribution-based model employs a rigorous mathematical approach to estimate probabilities, providing greater freedom for node operators to optimize pathfinding. * Vision for the Lightning Network’s enhancement of payment success through a market process between economically rational routing nodes and pathfinders buying the offered liquidity.