Ethereum

Aztec (AZTEC) is a privacy-first Layer2 network built on Ethereum, leveraging zkSNARK zero-knowledge proof technology to create a programmable privacy environment for smart contract execution. Unlike traditional blockchains where all data is fully transparent, Aztec encrypts transaction data and uses a dual execution model, combining private and public execution, allowing users to protect sensitive information while maintaining security and verifiability. Its core goal is to bring privacy into DeFi, identity, and payments, shifting blockchain from complete transparency toward a model of selective disclosure.

To strengthen blockchain application security, the Ethereum Foundation has introduced a new audit grant program. Through financial support and partnerships with professional institutions, the program reduces the cost threshold for Developers to perform security audits. In this article, you'll learn how the program works, the criteria for participation, and its broader implications for the crypto industry.

Pepe and Dogecoin both originated from internet culture, yet they differ fundamentally in their underlying structure and development paths. Pepe is an ERC-20 token built on Ethereum, relying on existing blockchain infrastructure, while Dogecoin operates on its own independent blockchain and uses a proof-of-work consensus mechanism to secure its network. Comparing them across technical architecture, consensus design, tokenomics, and community culture helps clarify the core differences between meme coins and their roles within the broader crypto ecosystem.

Pepe (PEPE) is a meme coin issued on the Ethereum network following the ERC-20 standard, inspired by the classic internet character Pepe the Frog. Unlike traditional crypto projects, Pepe does not emphasize complex technical functionality. Instead, it gains attention through community-driven spread and cultural consensus. From token mechanics and community dynamics to its use cases, Pepe represents a class of crypto assets driven primarily by narrative and network effects.

CoW Protocol is a decentralized trading protocol built around batch auctions and order matching. By aggregating and optimizing user orders before execution, it reduces slippage, lowers MEV risk, and improves on-chain trading efficiency. Unlike traditional automated market makers, AMMs, or DEX aggregators, CoW Protocol introduces the concept of Coincidence of Wants, allowing traders to match directly with one another, which helps reduce costs and on-chain friction.

COW is the native governance token of CoW Protocol, designed to support protocol governance, incentivize the Solver network, and drive ecosystem growth. As a key component of CoW Protocol’s trading system, the COW token connects users, Solvers, and developers through governance and incentive mechanisms, helping maintain decentralized operation.

CoW Protocol, Uniswap, and 1inch are three representative infrastructures in today’s decentralized trading landscape. Each approaches on-chain trading optimization from a different angle. As the DeFi ecosystem continues to evolve, factors such as transaction costs, slippage, and MEV risk have become increasingly important in users’ choice of trading protocols, driving the emergence of new trading mechanisms.

Coincidence of Wants (CoW) is an order matching mechanism in which multiple traders’ needs align, allowing trades to be executed directly without relying on liquidity pools. In decentralized trading environments, this approach reduces intermediary routing and improves execution efficiency.

Over the past week, markets saw heightened volatility driven by recurring geopolitical tensions and stronger than expected economic data. Shifting signals from the United States and Iran pushed oil prices higher, with WTI rising more than 7% on the week. Solid retail sales, ISM readings, and nonfarm payrolls supported a rebound in equities, while precious metals reached new highs. Crypto assets moved in line with improving risk appetite, with Bitcoin approaching the $70k resistance level. On the flow side, BTC ETFs recorded modest weekly net inflows of about $22.3 million, an improvement from the prior week but still limited, while ETH ETFs continued to see net outflows. Quarter end rebalancing and holiday effects led to quick reversals after initial inflows. On chain and trading activity concentrated in oil and precious metals, DEX structure reshuffled, and Meteora volumes increased significantly. Stablecoin supply remained elevated, with USDC edging lower while DAI and USDS absorbed incremental flows, and A

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The biggest Ethereum network update ahead of the upcoming Merge

A set of standard rules for creating ethereum tokens

Layer 2 is a protocol built on top of an existing blockchain (layer 1) for increased performance and output. This is achieved without compromising the security of the blockchain. With the rise in the number of users and transactions on layer 1 blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum, there is a need for increased throughput without compromising security and decentralization.

Sharding is a database partitioning technique that helps blockchains build scalability, allowing transactions to be processed in parallel by multiple sharding chains to reduce network congestion and increase transactions per second (TPS).

EVM is an abstraction layer between the code and the host that serves as a guarantee to maintain the smooth operation of Ethereum. What is EVM after all? What are the principles and typical use cases of EVM? Let’s dive deeper into it.