GAO WatchBlog: “GAO has launched a new line of science and tech quick reads, 2-pagers providing brief overviews of key topics in the field. To complement our more in-depth evaluations and assessments, these “Science & Tech Spotlights” summarize emerging innovations and the relevant policy context. In today’s WatchBlog we provide a thumbnail sketch of the first 4, released in September. Blockchain and distributed ledger technologies allow users to carry out digital transactions without the need for a centralized authority. These technologies could fundamentally change the way government and industry conduct business, but questions remain about how to mitigate fraud, money laundering, and excessive energy use…” [h/t Pete Weiss]