Ethereum News

Ethereum (ETH) was launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and a team of co-founders as the world's first programmable blockchain, enabling smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps) that extend far beyond simple peer-to-peer transactions. After transitioning from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake consensus through "The Merge" in 2022, Ethereum now processes transactions more efficiently while maintaining its position as the foundation for decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3 innovation.

The Ethereum ecosystem encompasses thousands of decentralized applications, from DeFi protocols like Uniswap and Aave to NFT marketplaces, gaming platforms, and layer-2 scaling solutions like Arbitrum and Polygon. Developers, validators, and users interact within this programmable economy where ETH serves as both a digital currency and the fuel powering smart contract execution through gas fees.

CoinDesk covers all aspects of Etherum, from protocol upgrades and scaling developments to DeFi innovation and regulatory implications. Our reporters track everything from Ethereum's roadmap milestones and staking developments to the broader implications of programmable money and decentralized autonomous organizations.

DISCLOSURE: This text was written with the assistance of AI, then reviewed by a person.

Tech

Polygon Readies ZK Rollup Testnet, Eyes Mainnet Launch in 2023

Polygon zkEVM, the team’s EVM-compatible ZK rollup, describes it as "major leap forward" in the world of zero-knowledge technology.

By Sam KesslerJul 20, 2022

Ethereum community member Jordi Baylina speaks at the EthCC 2022 conference in Paris. (Lyllah Ledesma)

Videos

Ether Leads Crypto Rebound Amid ‘Merge Trade’

AdvisorShares CEO Noah Hamman discusses his crypto markets analysis as Ethereum’s native token ether (ETH) surges nearly 50% ahead of the upcoming “merge” event from the network’s proof-of-work to proof-of-stake consensus model. “Crypto may be finding a bottom,” Hamman said. Plus, crypto deleveraging, institutional activity, and regulation outlook.

Jul 19, 2022

Opinion

Is the Ethereum ‘Merge’ Driving This Rally?

A proposed date for the transition from a proof-of-work to proof-of-stake protocol signaled a return of optimism to crypto markets.

By Daniel KuhnJul 19, 2022

(Chris Linnett/Unsplash, modified by CoinDesk)

Markets

THORChain Phases Out Support for Rune Tokens on Ethereum, BNB Chain

The move comes weeks after THORChain’s native blockchain went live on seven supported networks.

By Shaurya MalwaJul 19, 2022

Podcasts

The Ethereum Merge Settles In as Next Crypto Narrative

By Nathaniel WhittemoreJul 18, 2022

Markets

The 'Merge Trade' Has Begun, Experts Say, as Ether Surges and stETH Discount Narrows

"ETH has undergone a rapid change in narrative over the past week, with speculators purely focused on the upcoming 'merge' as a catalyst for appreciation," one observer said.

By Omkar GodboleJul 18, 2022

Ether rallies as developers confirm tentative date for Ethereum's merge. (CoinDesk, Highcharts.com)

Tech

Ethereum’s Merge Projected for September According to 'Soft' Timeline

The Merge will see Ethereum switch from the energy-intensive proof-of-work consensus mechanism to a more efficient proof-of-stake system.

By Sam Kessler, Margaux NijkerkJul 15, 2022

Videos

Polygon Joins Disney’s Accelerator Program to Develop AR, NFT and AI Experiences

Ethereum scaling tool Polygon is continuing to expand its Web3 infrastructure through its participation in Disney’s 2022 Accelerator program, designed to spur the growth of innovative companies around the world. "The Hash" squad discusses Polygon's latest moves and the potential outcomes.

Jul 14, 2022

Tech

Ethereum’s Shadow Fork 9 Goes Live in Lead-Up to the Merge

Developers are focused on testing recent updates and the releases used in the previous Sepolia hard fork. "But on a more intensive network.”

By Margaux NijkerkJul 14, 2022

Chinese crypto miner Chandler Guo has launched a campaign to fork the Ethereum blockchain and create a spinoff, hewing to the “proof-of-work” (PoW) system that it uses now. (bildanova/500px/Getty Images)

Videos

Vitalik Buterin Strikes Back at Proof-of-Stake Critics

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin took to Twitter to defend the blockchain’s historical move to proof-of-stake (PoS), responding to critics suggesting digital assets secured by such consensus mechanisms are securities. “The Hash” team discusses Buterin’s comments ahead of the upcoming merge.

Jul 13, 2022