• Chainlink introduces an Oracle Price Feed MEV solution.

• Tim Beiko shares an update on all things Pectra.

• Base schedules the Holocene Network Upgrade.

• ZKsync Ignite starts on January 6th.

Chainlink introduced Smart Value Recapture (SVR), an oracle solution designed to help DeFi applications reclaim non-toxic Maximal Extractable Value (MEV) generated by Chainlink Price Feeds. When oracle price updates trigger liquidations, protocols often do not capture the resulting extractable value. SVR enables DeFi protocols to recapture MEV related to lending and liquidations. Using Flashbots MEV-Share and a "Dual Aggregator" architecture, SVR ensures efficient and secure oracle data transmission while incorporating a fallback to standard price feeds. The system auctions liquidation rights to searchers, redirecting the auction revenue split between 60% for the integrating DeFi protocol and 40% to Chainlink.

Tim Beiko, Ethereum core developer and coordinator of the AllCoreDevs (ACD) calls, shared an update on Pectra, Ethereum’s upcoming upgrade that consists of the execution layer update, Prague, and the consensus layer update, Electra. Pectra will mark Ethereum's most ambitious upgrade to date, with 11 Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs) included in the final scope. Initially, the upgrade featured 20 EIPs but was later split into two forks to streamline development and implementation. The blob target for the network was also doubled from 3 to 6 blobs per block, with a maximum of 9 blobs allowed per block. Developers are now focused on ensuring devnet stability and security. Once devnet-5 proves successful, client teams will work on testnet forks.

Base, the second-largest rollup by TVL, is scheduled to activate the Holocene Network Upgrade on mainnet on Thursday, January 9, 2024, at 18:00 UTC. The upgrade introduces Holocene Block Derivation, MIPS Contracts, and EIP-1559 Configurability, designed to improve functionality, performance, and scalability. The Holocene Block Derivation update simplifies the block derivation pipeline, optimizing performance for the Fault Proof System and improving cross-network interoperability. To ensure compatibility with the upgrade, node operators must update their node software to v0.11.1 before this activation timestamp.

ZKsync Ignite, a 9-month program featuring 300 million ZK tokens in incentives on ZKsync Era, will go live on January 6, 2025. The program aims to enhance DeFi liquidity and increase TVL on ZKsync Era and across Elastic Chains. A DeFi Steering Committee (DSC) will oversee token allocations and assess the program's performance.

• Prysm supports 36m gas limit

• SendRaw TX coming to OP Stack

• Base 2024 recap

• SOCKET 2024 recap

• Eternal supports AI agent on ZKsync

• Unite L3 goes live on mainnet

• Watch the Gas Limit Increase

• FBI on $308m DPRK hack

• Unichain releases its roadmap to mainnet.

• EigenLayer launches slashing on testnet.

• Chainlink introduces the Chainlink Runtime Environment.

Unichain, Uniswap's DeFi-focused Layer 2 built on the OP Stack, announced its roadmap to mainnet, targeted for early 2025. The rollout will follow a phased approach, including testing, infrastructure provider access, public mainnet launch, and experimental testing for the Unichain Validation Network. Unichain was first introduced in October 2024 with the launch of the Unichain Sepolia Testnet. Since its debut, the Unichain testnet has processed over 50 million transactions and deployed 4 million contracts. On January 6, 2025, Unichain Sepolia will upgrade to permissionless fault proofs. The Unichain mainnet will follow with live permissionless fault proofs from day one. Unichain will feature native Superchain Interoperability, cross-chain intents, and 1-second confirmation times.

Slashing on EigenLayer is now live on the Holesky Testnet as part of the proposed ELIP-002 slashing upgrade. Slashing enables Actively Validated Services (AVSs) to enforce accountability by penalizing Operators for faults such as incorrect computation or liveness failures. The upgrade introduces two critical enforcement mechanisms. First, Unique Stake Allocation allows Operators to allocate specific portions of their stake, isolating slashing risks and ensuring responsibilities are clearly defined. Second, Operator Sets enable AVSs to organize groups of Operators with customized slashing conditions and targeted task assignments. EigenLayer slashing is anticipated to launch on mainnet in late Q1 2025.

Chainlink introduced the Chainlink Runtime Environment (CRE), a runtime execution engine designed to enable the creation of custom workflows using Decentralized Oracle Network (DON) capabilities on the Chainlink Platform. With its modular architecture, CRE allows developers to combine oracle capabilities using familiar programming languages and compiling it into WASM for execution. CRE is interoperable and facilitates seamless interactions across multiple blockchains, offchain systems, and APIs. Developers and financial institutions can now sign up for early access to the CRE release.

• Chain Abstraction 2024 Report

• The Role of Relays in Reorgs

• ACDE #202 Writeup

• ePBS breakout #14 call notes

• 16%+ validators signaling a gas limit increase

• OpenSea Foundation X account

• Help fund Tornado Cash defense

• WalletConnect site issues

Unichain, Uniswap's DeFi-focused Layer 2 built on the OP Stack, announced its roadmap to mainnet, targeted for early 2025. The rollout will follow a phased approach, including testing, infrastructure provider access, public mainnet launch, and experimental testing for the Unichain Validation Network. Unichain was first introduced in October 2024 with the launch of the Unichain Sepolia Testnet. Since its debut, the Unichain testnet has processed over 50 million transactions and deployed 4 million contracts. On January 6, 2025, Unichain Sepolia will upgrade to permissionless fault proofs. The Unichain mainnet will follow with live permissionless fault proofs from day one. Unichain will feature native Superchain Interoperability, cross-chain intents, and 1-second confirmation times

This story was featured in Episode 614.