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Cryptocurrency, sometimes called crypto-currency or crypto, is any form of currency that exists digitally or virtually and uses cryptography to secure transactions. Cryptocurrency received its name because it uses encryption to verify transactions. This means advanced coding is involved in storing and transmitting cryptocurrency data between wallets and to public ledgers. The aim of encryption is to provide security and safety.

Satoshi Nakamoto created Bitcoin in 2009 but never revealed his identity to the world. There are huge questions looming around this. For instance: Is Satoshi Nakamoto one person or a group of people? Why isn’t he claiming the success of his currency? Will he unlock his supposed bitcoin wallet and is Satoshi Nakamoto still alive?

Altcoins is a broader term for cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin as all other cryptocurrencies that were launched after Bitcoin are considered altcoins. Bitcoin being the first and oldest cryptocurrency means that it is regarded as a sort of progenitor to all other altcoin cryptocurrencies available today.

A blockchain is a distributed database or ledger shared among a computer network's nodes. Blockchains can be used to make data in any industry immutable - the term used to describe the inability to be altered. Because there is no way to change a block, the only trust needed is on the technology, but not on regulators like banks or people. Since Bitcoin's introduction in 2009, blockchain uses have exploded via the creation of various cryptocurrencies, decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and smart contracts.

A smart contract is a self-executing program that automates the actions required in a blockchain transaction. Once completed, the transactions are trackable and irreversible. Smart contracts permit trusted transactions and agreements to be carried out among disparate, anonymous parties without the need for a central authority, legal system, or external enforcement mechanism.

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are assets like a piece of art, digital content, or video that have been tokenized via a blockchain. Tokens are unique identification codes created from metadata via an encryption function. These tokens are then stored on a blockchain, while the assets themselves are stored in other places like IRL. The connection between the token and the asset is what makes them unique.

3D printing or additive manufacturing is the construction of a three-dimensional object from a CAD model or a digital 3D model. 3D printing is used to create components, parts and accessories, build prototypes, production tools and expand customisation options. The fields of application growth from regular industrial production over artifical production of organs or customized printing of food. Non-buildable object from the "old industry" can now be printed and manufactured through this layer-by-layer process and the use of different materials or colors.

3D printers are devices that create physical objects from digital models by building them layer by layer. The most common method is Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), where a filament is heated and extruded through a nozzle to form the object. Other methods include Stereolithography (SLA), which uses liquid resin and UV light, and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), which fuses powder using lasers. 3D printers have revolutionized industries such as aerospace, healthcare, automotive, and even fashion.

Fun fact: In 2019, a 3D printer was used to construct an entire office building in Dubai, showcasing the potential for large-scale 3D printing!

Artificial intelligence is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. Artificial intelligence is a constellation of many different technologies working together to enable machines to sense, comprehend, act, and learn with human-like levels of intelligence. Maybe that’s why it seems as though everyone’s definition of artificial intelligence is different: AI isn’t just one thing.

A Large Language Model (LLM) is a type of artificial intelligence designed to understand and generate human language by processing vast amounts of text data. LLMs are built using deep learning techniques, particularly neural networks, and are trained on billions of words from books, websites, and other written sources. This training enables them to generate coherent and contextually relevant text, answer questions, write essays, translate languages, and more. Models like these power applications in natural language processing (NLP), including chatbots, virtual assistants, and automated content creation tools.

AI researchers are scientists and engineers dedicated to developing artificial intelligence, advancing machine learning algorithms, and exploring the potential of AI systems. They work across fields like computer science, neuroscience, and robotics to improve how machines learn, reason, and interact with humans. These experts contribute to innovations in natural language processing, image recognition, autonomous vehicles, and more. AI researchers often work in academic institutions, tech companies, or dedicated AI research labs, pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve.

Fun fact: Some early AI research was inspired by science fiction, with pioneers like Marvin Minsky drawing ideas from books and films about intelligent machines!

Biotechnology is a multidisciplinary field that involves the integration of natural sciences and engineering sciences with the goal to improve the live quality of the humans. Biotechnology is mainly used in agriculture, food science, and medicine and can be defined as the utilization of biological processes for industrial or commercial purposes.  In reality, there are many different types of biotechnology including bioinformatics, blue, green, red and white biotechnology. The term dark biotechnology refers to the use of biotechnology for bioterrorism or biochemical weapons. 

Neuralink is an implant that can monitor and stimulate brain activity using electrical currents. Neuralink aims to help people with paralysis communicate by allowing them to remotely control devices using brain activity.

The term longevity describes the ability to live a long life beyond the species-specific average age at death. The definition of longevity is living a longer and healthier life. It means how long a person is going to live, and how healthy his later life will be. 

The competition between the USA, China and Russia will accelerate the new space race and will have consequences for all of us here on Earth. In recent years, rare metals and water have been found on the Moon while private companies have massively lowered the cost of breaking through the atmosphere. Elon Musk’s SpaceX and its reusable rockets are part of this story, as is the miniaturisation of satellites.

SpaceX (Space Exploration Technologies Corp.) is a private aerospace manufacturer and space transportation company founded by Elon Musk in 2002. Its mission is to reduce space transportation costs and enable the colonization of Mars. SpaceX has made significant strides in the space industry, particularly with its reusable rocket technology. The company’s rockets, such as the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy, have drastically lowered the cost of launching payloads into space. SpaceX is also known for developing the Starship, a fully reusable spacecraft designed for missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

Fun fact: SpaceX was the first private company to send astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft in 2020, a milestone previously achieved only by government space agencies!

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) is the United States government agency responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics research. Established in 1958, NASA's mission is to pioneer space exploration, advance scientific knowledge, and develop new technologies that benefit humanity. The agency has been behind major milestones in space exploration, including landing the first humans on the Moon with the Apollo missions and operating the Hubble Space Telescope.

Fun fact: NASA's Apollo 11 mission, which landed the first humans on the Moon in 1969, involved less computing power than a modern-day smartphone!

ESA (European Space Agency) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the exploration of space. Established in 1975, ESA represents multiple European countries working together to advance space technology and scientific understanding. The agency conducts a wide range of activities, including Earth observation, planetary exploration, and space science research, and collaborates with international partners such as NASA and Roscosmos.

Fun fact: ESA's Rosetta mission was the first to successfully land a probe, Philae, on a comet's surface in 2014, providing groundbreaking data about comet composition and behavior!