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.

Finance

Blast, Hyped Layer-2 Chain, Sees Most Deposits Bridge to Yield Manager

The controversial layer-2 network had taken $2.3 billion in deposits since November as it prepared for launch. What remains is now down to about $350 million, but many of the deposits in the original "farm" contract have now moved into a new Blast address.

By Oliver KnightMar 1, 2024

Podcasts

Jesse Pollak Discusses Base, Optimism, and the Evolving Landscape of Layer 2 Solutions

By Margaux Nijkerk, Sam Kessler, Bradley KeounFeb 29, 2024

Tech

Protocol Village: Fleek Network Claims Faster Edge Computing Than AWS, Vercel

The latest in blockchain tech upgrades, funding announcements and deals. For the period of Feb. 22-28.

By Bradley KeounFeb 28, 2024

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

Tech

The Protocol: Bitcoin's Call for Volunteers, Ethena's USDe, Blast's Blast-Off

In this week's issue of CoinDesk's newsletter on blockchain technology, we've got an exclusive interview with Stacks co-creator Muneeb Ali. PLUS: More than $200 million of blockchain project fundraisings.

By Bradley KeounFeb 28, 2024

Tech

What to Expect From Ethereum’s Cancun-Deneb Upgrade

The beginning of "The Surge" era in Ethereum's roadmap sees a range of enhancements to scalability, efficiency and security. Here’s a breakdown.

By Wilfred DayeFeb 28, 2024

Tech

Coinbase Adds 2 Software Programs for Ethereum Staking, to Reduce Concentration Risks

The publicly traded U.S. crypto exchange said it would add support for the additional Ethereum "clients" – computer programs used to access and run the distributed network – to help reduce dependence on the dominant Geth software.

By Bradley KeounFeb 28, 2024

Finance

Liquid Restaking Protocol Ether.Fi Raises $23M Series A

The total amount of capital on ether.fi has jumped from $103 million to $1.66 billion since the turn of the year.

By Oliver KnightFeb 28, 2024

Tech

Stacks Creator Ali Calls Bitcoin 'Apex Predator' as Development Flourishes on OG Blockchain

Muneeb Ali, the co-creator of Stacks and Princeton-educated computer scientist who's now CEO of the Bitcoin-focused development firm Trust Machines, spoke with CoinDesk's Jenn Sanasie on the flurry of development and layer-2 building now taking place on the original blockchain.

By Jennifer Sanasie, Bradley KeounFeb 28, 2024

Muneeb Ali, co-creator of Stacks and CEO of Trust Machines (CoinDesk TV)

Markets

Blast Ecosystem Sees First Apparent Scam as 'RiskOnBlast' Rug Pulls $1.3M Ether

Blast, in an X post, termed the project’s potential as “undeniable,” which may have created a sense of security among investors. Blast separately said it's aiming for a mainnet launch on Feb. 29.

By Shaurya MalwaFeb 26, 2024