#Ethereum $ETH Ethereum is a cryptocurrency and a decentralized platform that allows the creation of smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps). It was proposed by programmer Vitalik Buterin in 2013 and launched in 2015. Unlike Bitcoin, Ethereum is not only used as a digital currency, but also as an infrastructure for the development of decentralized applications.

In recent months, Ethereum has experienced several significant events. In April 2021, Ethereum made an upgrade called "Berlin", which improved the efficiency and security of the network. This update was an important step towards Ethereum 2.0, which seeks to improve scalability and reduce transaction costs.

Another important milestone was the explosive growth of the Ethereum-based decentralized finance (DeFi) sector. DeFi applications allow users to lend, borrow, and earn interest without the need for traditional intermediaries. The total value locked in DeFi reached record levels, surpassing $100 billion in May 2021.

Additionally, Ethereum has been working on transitioning its consensus algorithm from proof-of-work (PoW) to proof-of-stake (PoS). This update, known as Ethereum 2.0, seeks to make the network more scalable and sustainable.

In summary, Ethereum has seen significant advancements in recent months, including network upgrades, growth in the DeFi sector, and progress towards Ethereum 2.0. These events demonstrate the continued development and adoption of Ethereum as a leading platform in the cryptocurrency and decentralized applications space.