The Merge
Goerli Testnet Expected Merge Date
Developers have tentatively scheduled the Goerli testnet merge for August 10. This update comes from Terence (@terencechain), a developer of the consensus-layer client Prysm.
👉 Stay updated on Ethereum's progress
6th Merge Community Call
The 6th Merge Community Call will take place on August 12 (10:00 PM UTC). Key discussion topics include:
- Goerli testnet updates
- Balancing consensus-layer clients
- Post-merge testnets
- Block time reduction (from ~13s to 12s) and its impact on lending protocols
- Transaction fee recipients (execution-layer addresses)
- Client diversity (validators must run both execution and consensus clients)
Trent.eth has encouraged all validators and stakeholders to attend.
Consensus Layer
MEV-Boost Progress
- Teku, Prysm, and Lighthouse now offer test guides for MEV-Boost.
- Rocket Pool v1.5.0-beta2 supports MEV-Boost for these clients.
Obol Network Launches Athena Testnet
Obol Network, focused on distributed validator technology, has launched its first public testnet, Athena. Participation involves:
- Operator pairings via a sign-up form.
- Distributed Key Generation (DKG) ceremonies.
- Validator activation on the Prater testnet.
- A month-long run before scoring and exit.
Layer 2
StarkNet Foundation & Native Token
- StarkNet Token (100B supply) launches in September 2022.
- Use cases: Governance, fees, PoS participation.
- StarkNet Foundation will fund public goods.
Recommended reads:
Scroll Pre-Alpha Testnet
- zkEVM-based zkRollup now open for early testers.
- Features: Uniswap demo, block explorer, asset bridging.
ZKX Raises $4.5M Seed Round
- StarkNet-based derivatives protocol.
- Targets DeFi liquidity challenges.
- Mainnet launch planned for Q4 2022.
Lido Expands to Layer 2
- stETH coming to L2 DeFi apps.
- Integrations with zkSync, Aztec, Optimism.
Ecosystem Updates
DeSci Page on Ethereum.org
- Introduces decentralized science (DeSci).
- Covers use cases and participation.
OpenSea Migrates to Seaport Protocol
- Gas savings: ~$460M annually.
- New features: collection-wide offers, bulk listings.
Gnosis Safe Raises $100M
- Funding supports ecosystem growth.
- Used by Utopia, Coinshift, ParcelHQ.
Celsius Files for Bankruptcy
- Timeline: Withdrawal freeze (June 13) → Chapter 11 (July 14).
- Users submit claims via Stretto.
EthCC 5 Highlights
- Paris, July 19–22.
- Speakers: Vitalik, Kevin Owocki, Eli Ben-Sasson.
FAQ
Q: When is the Goerli merge?
A: Tentatively August 10.
Q: What’s MEV-Boost?
A: A tool to democratize MEV extraction for validators.
Q: How to join StarkNet’s testnet?
A: Register via Scroll’s pre-alpha signup.
This report combines developer updates, L2 progress, and ecosystem news. For real-time tracking, visit 👉 Ethereum resources.
### **Key SEO Adjustments**
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- **Keywords**: Integrated *Merge, testnet, StarkNet, zkRollup, DeSci* naturally.
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- **FAQs**: Added 3 Q&A pairs.