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

Farcaster, Blockchain-Based Social Media Startup, Raises $150M, Led by Paradigm

Dan Romero's Farcaster made waves earlier this year with the introduction of "Frames," a feature allowing apps to run within posts, so users don't have to click off to another site. Other investors in the latest fundraising round include a16z and Haun.

By Bradley KeounMay 21, 2024

Consensus Magazine

What to Expect at Consensus 2024: Spotlight on Blockchain Tech

The three-day conference (May 29-31) features a host of big-name speakers from the realm of blockchain tech, including Sergey Nazarov, Casey Rodarmor, Joe Lubin, Emin Gün Sirer and Rune Christensen. Here is a preview of everything on offer.

By Bradley KeounMay 20, 2024

Cosmos co-founder and Informal Systems CEO Ethan Buchman is scheduled to speak on the "bitcoinization of Cosmos" at Consensus 2024. (Bradley Keoun)

Podcasts

Inside the MIT Brothers' Ethereum Exploit

By Margaux Nijkerk, Sam Kessler, Bradley KeounMay 17, 2024

Markets

Ether Bears Hit a Brick Wall as Price Collides With Bull-Market Trendline

Ether's sell-off has stalled at an upward-sloping trendline, characterizing the rally from October lows.

By Omkar GodboleMay 17, 2024

Ether's price decline appears to have hit a brick wall. (Pexels/Pixabay)

Tech

How MIT Brothers Allegedly Cheated a Noxious-But-Accepted Ethereum Practice for $25M

First came "The Bait." In an indictment, U.S. prosecutors detailed the incredibly complicated Ethereum exploit – in which attackers targeted the controversial area of "maximal extractable value," known as MEV.

By Margaux NijkerkMay 16, 2024

Opinion

What the DOJ’s First MEV Lawsuit Means for Ethereum

In a highly technical overview of an exploit that has since been patched, government prosecutors find that exploiting code is a crime. CoinDesk reached out to several experts in the Ethereum community to get their views on the case.

By Daniel KuhnMay 15, 2024

Tech

Protocol Village: Cyber, Formerly CyberConnect, Unveils Social-Focused Layer 2 on OP Stack

The latest in blockchain tech upgrades, funding announcements and deals. For the period of May 9-15.

By Bradley KeounMay 15, 2024

Scene from Protocol Village at Consensus 2023 in Austin, Texas.

Policy

Brothers Accused of $25M Ethereum Exploit as U.S. Reveals Fraud Charges

The alleged 12-second attack related to the controversial practice known as MEV, or maximal extractable value.

By Sam Kessler, Nikhilesh DeMay 15, 2024

Tech

Lido Co-Founders, Paradigm Secretly Back EigenLayer Competitor as DeFi Battle Lines Form

The popularity of new blockchain "restaking" protocols led by EigenLayer has drawn a response from the principals behind the liquid staking platform Lido, which itself burst onto the scene a couple of years ago to become the largest project in decentralized finance.

By Sam KesslerMay 14, 2024