The Cross-Chain Roundup #36

Week Roundup (July 24 – July 30, 2023)

Jul 31, 2023

In this week's comprehensive roundup, we embark on an exciting journey through the world of cross-chain technology, where blockchain interoperability is reaching new heights. The latest updates and developments showcased in this week’s roundup redefine how different blockchains interact and collaborate seamlessly, revolutionizing decentralized applications and DeFi ecosystems.

Wormhole Connect's v0.0.7 launch introduces game-changing enhancements for dApp builders, integrating Aptos Network to incorporate bridging features into applications effortlessly. Osmosis considers Wormhole as a Canonical Bridge Service Provider (BSP), while Polyhedra Network's zkBridge facilitates seamless interoperability for the opBNB ecosystem. Connext and Alchemix also collaborated to launch the xERC-20 token standard, strengthening bridge security. These updates and more present a cross-chain landscape full of opportunities and innovations, opening doors to a world of interconnected blockchain ecosystems. Join us as we explore the cutting-edge advancements in cross-chain interoperability and its impact on the blockchain ecosystem.

Happy cross-chain exploring!

📰 Cross-Chain Updates

Wormhole Connect's v0.0.7 Launch Revolutionizes Cross-Chain Dapp Development with Integration of Aptos Network.

The latest release of Wormhole Connect, version 0.0.7, has been unveiled, promising a game-changing enhancement for dApp builders seeking cross-chain compatibility. Thanks to the seamless integration of Aptos Network, developers can now effortlessly incorporate bridging features into their decentralized applications using as few as 3 lines of code. This groundbreaking collaboration allows dapp creators to gain instant access to over 25 blockchains and 6 runtimes, an opportunity bound to propel the crypto ecosystem to new heights. To demonstrate the power of Wormhole Connect's capabilities, renowned projects like Tsunami Finance, Aptin Labs, and Poor Obric have already showcased fully-customized Connect UI's, each embracing their unique styles with the help of Aptos Network's innovative technology.

Polyhedra Network's zkBridge Facilitates Seamless Cross-Chain Interoperability for opBNB Ecosystem.

Polyhedra Network's zkBridge has made a significant breakthrough by enabling secure and efficient cross-chain interoperability with the opBNB ecosystem. With zkBridge's support for Layer 1 to Layer 2 interoperability between BNBChain and opBNB, developers can now seamlessly transfer assets and data between the main chain and the sidechain. Furthermore, zkBridge's cross-rollup bridge extends the capabilities, facilitating smooth interactions between opBNB and COMBO. As the adoption of zkBridge gains momentum, the cryptocurrency community anticipates even broader cross-chain possibilities and increased synergy among interconnected networks.

Connext and Alchemix Collaborate to Launch xERC-20 Cross-Chain Token Standard, Boosting Security and Reducing Bridge Exploit Losses.

Cross-chain bridging protocol Connext, in partnership with decentralized finance (DeFi) platform Alchemix Finance, has introduced the innovative xERC-20 token standard to tackle bridge hack vulnerabilities. The newly announced standard empowers token issuers to curate a list of official bridges and control the minting of tokens on each bridge. By adopting xERC-20 tokens, projects can now bring their tokens to multiple chains securely and efficiently. Proposed as Ethereum Improvement Proposal (EIP) 7281, the standard will minimize losses from bridge hacks by endorsing "official" or "canonical" versions of tokens, ensuring only approved bridges can mint them. This strategic move fosters a safer cross-chain landscape, reinforcing the responsibility of token issuers to safeguard against bridge exploits and protect end-users from potential losses.

Aurora Fast Bridge Expands Token Support, Enabling Lightning-Fast Cross-Chain Transfers.

The list of supported tokens on Aurora’s Fast Bridge is expanding, unlocking more possibilities for seamless asset transfers. This is exciting news for users of Aurora, the cross-chain platform! With Aurora's lightning-fast bridge, users can now transfer assets from the NEAR blockchain to Ethereum in just minutes, providing a swift and efficient cross-chain experience. In addition to NEAR and Ethereum, the Fast Bridge now supports popular tokens like ETH, USDC, Aurora, and WBTC, making it even more versatile and user-friendly. This development brings enhanced accessibility and interconnectivity between different blockchain ecosystems, providing users with greater flexibility and convenience for managing their digital assets.

Sygma Partners with Gnosis to Enhance Cross-Chain Security with Hashi Implementation.

Sygma, a leading interoperability layer for cross-chain applications, joins forces with Gnosis to implement Hashi, an EVM Hash Oracle Aggregator, to bolster security in the blockchain ecosystem. The integration of Sygma's secure cross-chain infrastructure with Gnosis's robust Ethereum-based tools aims to create a more efficient Hashi implementation, fostering greater interconnectedness within the blockchain space. The collaboration addresses the critical concern of cross-chain bridge security, especially in light of recent breaches totaling over $2 billion in stolen digital assets. As the industry explores solutions like trustless bridges and Multi-Message Aggregation (MMA), Hashi's focus on redundancy and message validation presents a promising approach to maximize security.

Osmosis Considers Wormhole as Canonical Bridge Service Provider for Seamless Cross-Chain Integration.

Osmosis, the prominent cross-chain AMM platform, is exploring the addition of Wormhole as a Canonical Bridge Service Provider (BSP) in a recent proposal. The move aims to bolster interoperability within the blockchain space, leveraging Wormhole's expertise in facilitating secure and efficient cross-chain transactions. At Osmocon, Wormhole Gateway, an IBC-compatible zone powered by the Cosmos SDK, was announced, promising to bring enhanced liquidity and developer activity into the Cosmos ecosystem. Wormhole's proven track record in security, underscored by a positive review from Uniswap, has garnered unconditional approval and further validates its potential as a trusted bridge solution. As discussions unfold, the crypto community eagerly anticipates the possibility of Wormhole becoming the second canonical BSP on Osmosis, opening doors to a multitude of connected chains and enhancing the user experience through prioritized incentives and seamless in-app deposits and withdrawals.

PancakeSwap Launched PancakeSwap v3 on Several Chains.

PancakeSwap, the decentralized exchange (DEX) known for its multichain capabilities, has launched PancakeSwap v3 on several chains, including zkSync Era, Polygon zkEVM, BNB Chain, and Ethereum. The latest version of the DEX brings numerous improvements, including lower trading fees and enhanced liquidity provision strategies. To celebrate the expansion, PancakeSwap invites users to join the Treasure Islands Adventure on Galxe, exploring new islands with unique tasks and opportunities. Participants can earn exclusive NFTs, including Island Hoppers NFTs, Hopper Extraordinaire NFTs, and Treasure Hunters NFTs, as they complete tasks across different islands. The adventure offers a thrilling experience for DeFi enthusiasts looking to maximize their earnings and explore the multichain DeFi landscape.