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.

Videos

Ethereum’s Hotly Anticipated Merge and Dress Rehearsal

Ethereum is moving closer to a pivotal transition to proof-of-stake, but an unwelcome security hiccup “reorg” on the Beacon Chain rained on the Merge prep parade last week. “The Hash” hosts break down what this means for Ethereum and the wider crypto ecosystem.

Jun 1, 2022

Policy

Inside Madison Cawthorn's $150K Crypto Bet: Here's the Wallet Under Ethics Investigation

The North Carolina firebrand is under investigation for allegedly “pumping and dumping” the “Let’s Go Brandon” meme coin. CoinDesk found his Ethereum wallet.

By Danny NelsonJun 1, 2022

Rep. Madison Cawthorn (R-N.C.) speaks before a rally for former U.S. President Donald Trump in April. (Allison Joyce/Getty Images)

Layer 2

Merge Ahead: Ethereum’s Dress Rehearsal (and a Hiccup)

Ethereum’s Ropsten testnet is on the brink of a pivotal transition to proof-of-stake, but an unwelcome “reorg” rained on the Merge prep parade last week.

By Sam Kessler, Sage D. YoungJun 1, 2022

Ethereum's Merge is ahead. (Simon McGill/Moment/Getty Images)

Markets

Optimism Tokens Claimed by Some Users Ahead of Official Airdrop Announcement

The Ethereum scaling system’s long-awaited airdrop is expected to go live on Tuesday, but some users were able to jump in early.

By Tracy WangMay 31, 2022

Did you pay taxes on that airdrop? (Pixabay)

Podcasts

Circle Recommends Against a Digital Dollar, and Ethereum Beacon Chain Suffers Longest ‘Reorg’ in Years

By Christie Harkin, William Foxley, Zack Seward, Jennifer SanasieMay 26, 2022

Videos

What Ethereum Beacon Chain’s ‘Reorg’ Means for Users and Developers

The Ethereum beacon chain experienced a seven-block deep reorganization Wednesday. “The Hash” squad unpacks what happened, why these developments matter and what this means for users and developers of Ethereum.

May 26, 2022

Opinion

What Happens When You Die in the Metaverse?

Ethereum’s founder proposed “soulbound tokens” to give digital identity value. Is there a price to be paid?

By Daniel KuhnMay 26, 2022

(Ignacio Amenábar/Unsplash, modified by CoinDesk)

Tech

What Impact Will a Bear-Market Merge Have on Ethereum?

As crypto tumbles, Vitalik Buterin says Ethereum’s shift to proof-of-stake will happen in August.

By Sam Kessler, Sage D. YoungMay 25, 2022

Crypto markets remained bearish. (Christopher Sweet/EyeEm/Getty Images)

Podcasts

FTX US Debuts Stock Trading, Ethereum on Track to Merge in June

By William Foxley, Zack Seward, Jennifer SanasieMay 19, 2022

Videos

Ethereum on Track for Testnet Merge in June

Ethereum’s Ropsten public testnet will undergo a “merge” next month ahead of a rollout on the main network, developer activity on GitHub shows. "The Hash" hosts discuss the latest in the world of Ethereum and what the upgrade could mean for the industry's second-largest blockchain protocol.

May 19, 2022