OP_NET is a new protocol that aims to bring smart contracts and decentralized finance directly to Bitcoin transactions.

Bitcoin is still trading 45% lower than its record high in October 2025.

Bitcoin mining is how new BTC is created and how transactions are verified. Miners use specialized, high-end computing hardware to solve complex cryptographic puzzles to secure the Bitcoin network.

Adopting the model would require miners and users to migrate to a separate “Bitcoin Quantum” blockchain rather than upgrade ...

Nathan Reiff has been writing expert articles and news about financial topics such as investing and trading, cryptocurrency, ETFs, and alternative investments on Investopedia since 2016. Shih-Wei / ...

Maelstrom has awarded Bitcoin developer Ben Allen a $100,000 grant to improve Payjoin, a privacy-focused transaction method that could boost Bitcoin scalability. Bitcoin developer Ben Allen has ...