The Crypto Report
Consumers can have almost anything delivered straight to their doors in increasingly-shorter time frames. Walmart Inc (NYSE:WMT) wants to be a greater part of that, so they’re reportedly assembling an army of blockchain-based robots.
Walmart has filed a recently-released patent in January with the US Patent & Trademark Office for a system of robots that will guide a package through the supply chain via wireless signals and blockchain-based authentication, according to a CCN report.
“In some embodiments of described above, blockchain technology may be utilized to record authentication signals and identification information to facilitate or resulting from in-field authentication between autonomous electronic devices,” states the patent application.
The company has filed blockchain-related patents previously, including patents for the use of delivery drones tracked via blockchain and a system that uses the technology to manage package delivery lockers.
READ: Zichain launches cryptocurrency trading platform to access all exchanges
Securing cryptocurrency is a major concern for investors as hacking attempts continue to threaten digital currency.
Start-up Carverr has found an innovative way to protect digital assets, storing passwords and keys in a microtube of DNA, as per a Bitcoin News report.
Developed by asset managers and biotechnologists, the start-up claims its DNA-based cold storage is one of the safest methods because it stores digital information in a biological form, protecting it from online attacks and ridding the need for software updates.
“Since it lives off-line, it is protected from hackers and because your code is contained in a strand of DNA it can never become obsolete, unlike other cold storage wallets. Even storing your digital codes in-offline servers in a mountain means at some point, those servers will become obsolete and require updates,” said the company in a statement.
When users need to retrieve their data, the DNA is sequenced and decoded then the information is passed back through a secure channel. Data retrieval can take between 48 to 72 hours.
The Cann Report
Recreational cannabis will be officially legalized in Canada this fall, starting on October 17. With the start date swiftly approaching, cannabis companies are stepping up their game.
Invictus MD Strategies Corp (TSXV:GENE, OTCQX:IVITF) has introduced four recreational cannabis brands into its distribution network, as per its press release.
Each of the new brands has been designed with a specific type of consumer in mind.
The Sterling & Hunt brand is aimed at the “ the user who is a true connoisseur” while the Sinister Brand with its high THC content is intended for a more experienced user.
READ: Redfund Capital completes US$3mln investment into Colombian cannabis group Biominerales
While some cannabis consumers are focused on the recreational aspect, others are taking a more serious approach.
This fall, students at Stockton University in New Jersey can minor in medical marijuana, according to a NJ.com report.
"This is a growing industry and we want to prepare our students from a variety of academic viewpoints," said Ekaterina Sedia, a biology professor and the program coordinator for cannabis studies, in a statement about the new program.
The 25 participating students will take a cannabis law course in the fall followed by a class on medical marijuana in the spring.
After taking a few classes, students in the program can begin an internship at marijuana-related organizations in the state.