Ethereum News
The Protocol: Bitcoin NFT Debacle, Vitalik's 30th, Farcaster Frames, 'Private Mempools'
In this week's issue of The Protocol newsletter, our Sam Kessler writes about the "private mempools" that Ethereum users are increasingly relying on to avoid front-running MEV bots. PLUS: Margaux Nijkerk explores the growing use of "councils" to oversee adolescent networks.
Major Ethereum Upgrade Goes Live on Second Testnet
The Ethereum blockchain's biggest upgrade since early 2023 went live on the second of three test networks, bringing the much-anticipated "Dencun" project and its "proto-danksharding" feature a step closer to reality. CoinDesk's Ethereum protocol reporter Margaux Nijkerk gives an update on the developments.
Inside the 'Private Mempools' Where Ethereum Traders Hide From Front-Running Bots
These private mempools – where blockchain transactions avoid the eyes of front-running "MEV" bots – promise to offer better settlement and lower fees to Ethereum users, but experts are sounding the alarm bell on some big risks.
Ethereum's 'Dencun' Upgrade Goes Live on Second Testnet, With Just One Remaining
Next week, on Feb. 7, Dencun will go live on its final Ethereum testnet, Holesky. After that, developers will ink in a date to activate Dencun on the main blockchain.
Vitalik Buterin Says Developers Should 'Tread Carefully' Mixing Crypto and AI
The Ethereum co-founder has warmed up on the potential intersection between AI and crypto, though he warns developers to be careful.
As Blockchains Push Toward Decentralization, These People Serve as Ultimate Guardians
The goal of these "protocol councils,” sometimes called “security councils,” is to nudge these nascent networks toward increasing decentralization, by gradually removing them from under the control of their original developers. How are they different from boards of directors?
The Black Swan Event That Could Cause a Fork in Ethereum (Again)
A major potential risk to Ethereum was highlighted by a bug that surfaced in Nethermind, a minority execution client. While the bug was fixed quickly, it raised the question of what would happen to the blockchain if Geth, which is used by more than two-thirds of validators, had a bug. Ethereum developer Lefteris Karapetsas joined Unchained to discuss the different scenarios of what could happen and why he feels the incentive system is poorly designed.
Spot Ether ETF Applications Decisions Delayed by SEC
Grayscale and BlackRock are among the companies trying to bring spot ether ETFs to market.
Ethereum Developers Set Timeline for Final ‘Dencun’ Testnet Upgrades
Developers will run through Dencun on the Sepolia and Holesky testnets on Jan. 30 and Feb. 7, putting the upgrade on track to reach the main network in late February or early March.
