This week, the ledger team added reference script support for Plutus V1 in Conway, addressed stake distribution inaccuracies, and improved tooling and tests. The Plutus team began implementing the contract blueprint for Plutus Tx and updated the quick start guide to recommend the IOGX Nix flake template. The Hydra team resolved the fanout bug, optimized fee estimation, and implemented transaction metadata. The Mithril team released distribution 2408.0 with significant updates, including improved stake distribution support, and continued developing transaction certification data types. The SanchoNet team launched a patch release, fixed BLS12-381 primitives issues, and brought the GovTool online with limited wallet support. Project Catalyst is onboarding 300 approved projects, emphasizing the Statement of Milestones for accountability, and preparing for a special voting event to decide Fund12's launch location. The education team updated advanced lessons in the Haskell Bootcamp course and practical scenarios in the Cardano Developer Course.

The first joint report for Hydra and Mithril projects highlights progress since January 2024. Mithril released distribution 2408.0, with updates like SanchoNet network release and Cardano transaction certification. Enhanced support for Conway and SanchoNet was also implemented. Hydra saw roadmap changes, with significant updates including dropping JSON encoded transaction support, progress on the Hydra heads explorer, and work on incremental commit features. The team resolved a fanout bug discovered during hydra-chess development and deployed a Hydra explorer supporting multiple versions, though it currently supports only one version per network.

This week, the networking team integrated bootstrap peers with cardano-node for improved connectivity and enhanced the tx-submission logic. The consensus team addressed unnecessary block downloads, fixed a bug in the io-sim, and added support for configuring ledger state snapshots. The Hydra team advanced model-based testing, resolved validation issues, and integrated Haskell linting. The Mithril team developed a new data type for certifying Cardano transactions, enhanced browser verification with the WASM client, and deployed a new Mithril network on SanchoNet. SanchoNet focused on governance actions and tutorials. Project Catalyst announced a fun voting event to determine Fund12’s launch city and continued onboarding Fund11 projects. The education team delivered the Cardano Developer course and updated the Haskell Bootcamp course.

In this interview, Jasmine, CEO and co-founder of Rejuve.AI, provides insight into the project's mission to address human aging and longevity challenges. The decentralized research network uses AI and blockchain to reward data contributors, deliver personalized insights and establish connections with trusted providers in a Web3-based ecosystem for longevity.

The decision to launch on Cardano reflects their commitment to decentralization and governance. Jasmine discusses performance, highlights the unique features of the Longevity App and outlines the future roadmap.

The interview concludes with a look at the key partnerships contributing to Rejuve.AI's success. Lets dive right in!

This week, the core technology teams released Cardano node v.8.8.0-pre, enabling Plutus V3 script testing on SanchoNet. DB-Sync began integration with the latest Cardano node version. The ledger team focused on fixes, testing, and developing the cuddle Haskell package for CDDL specification in Haskell. The Lace team addressed core API issues for an upcoming patch. The Plutus team improved the Plutus IR inliner, reducing script costs. The Hydra team worked on Conway support, deployed the Hydra explorer tool, and enhanced model-based testing. The Mithril team implemented a new data type for certifying transactions, upgraded the client library, and released a new Mithril network on SanchoNet. The release of Cardano node v.8.8.0-pre allows for experimentation with Plutus V3 on SanchoNet. Project Catalyst announced the results of Fund11, with 300 funded projects and a total of 1,647 projects in Catalyst history. The education team delivered the Cardano Developer Course with ABC and finalized the Marlowe Curriculum for Educators.

Plutus V3's launch on SanchoNet represents a pivotal advancement for Cardano, introducing substantial improvements in smart contract efficiency, developer experience, and cross-chain interoperability. This evolution from Plutus V1 through V3, driven by a need for higher throughput and enhanced functionality, showcases Cardano's commitment to fostering a scalable, developer-friendly ecosystem. Plutus V3 enhances Cardano's DeFi capabilities, supports complex applications, and integrates advanced cryptographic and governance features, reinforcing its position as a leading blockchain platform for innovation and community-driven development.

This week, the networking team integrated bootstrap peer changes, fixed CDDL errors, and improved tx-submission logic. The consensus team advanced UTXO-HD and epoch structure for Conway. Lace prepared for v.1.9 release. Plutus improved error reporting. Hydra and Mithril teams made significant progress, and SanchoNet updated governance features. Catalyst finished Fund11 voting.

This week, the DB Sync team tested a new version for mainnet and integrated Conway functionality. The Marlowe team optimized performance, resolved Wolfram oracle references, and updated security documents. Hydra conducted roadmapping and improved APIs. Mithril enhanced transaction certification and node communications. Voltaire enabled stake pool operator voting and fixed critical bugs. Project Catalyst continued Fund11 voting, and the education team planned developer training with ABC.

Since November 2023, the Hydra project has made significant progress. Version 0.15.0 was released, featuring offline mode and Conway support. The team also prepared for running Cardano nodes in P2P mode, with non-P2P relays shutting down in January 2024. Notable developments include API changes, removing JSON transactions in favor of CBOR encoding, and ongoing work on Hydra Chess to refine the DApp workflow. Additionally, the Hydra Explorer was initiated to track Hydra heads. The team is also involved in community events like the upcoming Cardano Buidler Fest and supporting Catalyst projects, including streaming API and Hydra auctions.

This week, the networking team integrated bootstrap peers and improved the tx-submission feature. The consensus team worked on Genesis and the second iteration of the ledger DB API for UTXO-HD. The Marlowe team added initial state commands, resolved balancing issues, and published validators on mainnet. Hydra prepared for version 0.15.0, polished hydra-chess, and enhanced testing. Mithril released a client NPM package, new distribution, and improved transaction certification. Project Catalyst started Fund11 voting, and the education team planned Cardano Days events and updated Haskell Bootcamp lessons.