Aug 1, 2017

Bitcoin expands into "cash"

Kin Cheung / AP

Bitcoin, one of the leaders in the digital currency market, split into two separate entities today. In addition to the initial version of the bitcoin currency, there is now a new cryptocurrency called "bitcoin cash," per Quartz.

Why: Bitcoin's infrastructure failed to keep up with the market's rapid transaction growth. But tech experts say the new bitcoin cash, which offers a transaction capacity eight times the size of the original bitcoin, will be able to ease some of the currency's current back-log issues.

Potential problems: Two separate currencies could spur a debate over which currency is understood as the true bitcoin. It could also cause technical issues, such as disappearing coins, Quartz notes.

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Coronavirus accelerates AI in health care

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

From predicting outbreaks to devising treatments, doctors are turning to AI in an effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why it matters: While machine learning algorithms were already becoming a part of health care, COVID-19 is likely to accelerate their adoption. But lack of data and testing time could hinder their effectiveness — for this pandemic, at least.

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Live updates: Crewed SpaceX launch postponed due to weather

The Falcon 9 rocket with a Crew Dragon atop. Photo: SpaceX

SpaceX's attempt to launch NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken has been postponed due to weather. They could attempt to launch again as soon as Saturday.

Why it matters: If all goes well, the launch — now expected to happen at 3:22 p.m. ET on Saturday — will mark the first time a private company has successfully launched people to orbit and the first crewed, orbital rocket launch from the U.S. in 9 years.

Go deeper (1 min. read)ArrowUpdated 34 mins ago - Science

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

  1. Global: Total confirmed cases as of 4:30 p.m. ET: 5,647,961 — Total deaths: 353,011 — Total recoveries — 2,325,227 — Map.
  2. U.S.: Total confirmed cases as of 4:30 p.m. ET: 1,692,786 — Total deaths: 99,783 — Total recoveries: 384,902 — Total tested: 14,907,041 — Map.
  3. Public health: Fauci says data is "really quite evident" against hydroxychloroquine — Nearly half of Americans say someone in their household has delayed medical care.
  4. Business: African American business owners have seen less relief from PPP, Goldman Sachs says — Disney plans phased reopening on July 11 — Author Ann Patchett says bookstores are innovating to stay connected with customers.
  5. 1 🎶 thing: Local music venues get rocked by coronavirus.
  6. 🎧 Podcast: Trump vs. Twitter ... vs. Trump.
  7. What should I do? When you can be around others after contracting the coronavirus — Traveling, asthma, dishes, disinfectants and being contagious — Masks, lending books and self-isolating — Exercise, laundry, what counts as soap — Pets, moving and personal health — Answers about the virus from Axios experts — What to know about social distancing — How to minimize your risk.
  8. Other resources: CDC on how to avoid the virus, what to do if you get it, the right mask to wear.

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Updated 34 mins ago - Politics & Policy