Fundamentals
What is a distributed ledger?
An introduction to distributed ledger technology, how it differs from traditional databases, and why it matters for data integrity. This article traces the concept from early computer science research through to its modern blockchain implementations, examining the key properties that distinguish distributed ledgers from centralised record-keeping systems.
7 min read
Dr. Eleanor Marsh
Last updated: 8 February 2026
Consensus
Proof of Work vs Proof of Stake
A side-by-side comparison of the two most widely discussed consensus mechanisms. This piece examines their origins, how each model validates transactions, their respective trade-offs in terms of security and decentralisation, and the environmental considerations that have shaped public debate around both approaches.
10 min read
James Thornton
Last updated: 14 January 2026
Security
Understanding cryptographic hashing
How hash functions secure blockchain data, what SHA-256 does, and why collision resistance is critical to network integrity. This article explains the mathematical foundations in accessible language, walks through a hashing example step by step, and discusses the role of hash pointers in maintaining chain integrity.
8 min read
Dr. Eleanor Marsh
Last updated: 22 January 2026
Tokens
ERC-20, ERC-721, and token standards explained
What token standards are, how they enable interoperability across decentralised applications, and the differences between fungible and non-fungible tokens. The article covers the Ethereum Request for Comments process, compares major standards including ERC-1155, and explains why standardisation matters for developers and users.
9 min read
James Thornton
Last updated: 3 February 2026
Web3
What is Web3? A plain-English overview
A neutral explanation of what proponents mean by "Web3," how it relates to earlier internet paradigms (Web 1.0 and Web 2.0), and the ongoing debates around the concept. This article presents both supportive and critical perspectives without taking a position, drawing on academic papers and industry commentary.
Last updated: 19 February 2026
Stablecoins
How stablecoins work and why they exist
An educational look at fiat-backed, crypto-collateralised, and algorithmic stablecoins, including the risks each model carries. The article examines the mechanics behind maintaining a peg, discusses notable de-pegging events, and reviews how regulators in different jurisdictions are approaching stablecoin oversight.
8 min read
Dr. Eleanor Marsh
Last updated: 27 January 2026
History
A brief history of blockchain technology
From the 2008 whitepaper to modern enterprise adoption: a timeline of key events in blockchain's development. This article covers the cypherpunk movement, the genesis block, the emergence of alternative networks, the enterprise blockchain wave, and the shift towards Proof of Stake, placing each milestone in its historical and technical context.
12 min read
James Thornton
Last updated: 10 March 2026
Smart Contracts
Smart contracts: what they are and how they execute
An overview of self-executing contracts on the blockchain, their potential applications, and their limitations. The article explains how smart contracts differ from traditional legal contracts, walks through a simple code example conceptually, discusses common vulnerability patterns, and examines the ongoing debate about legal enforceability.
9 min read
Dr. Eleanor Marsh
Last updated: 5 February 2026
Wallets
Understanding blockchain wallets
What wallets are, the difference between custodial and non-custodial options, and basic security practices every user should know about. This article clarifies a common misconception: wallets do not store digital assets themselves, but rather the private keys needed to sign transactions on a blockchain network.
7 min read
James Thornton
Last updated: 12 February 2026
Regulation
Blockchain regulation in the United Kingdom
An overview of the UK's regulatory landscape for cryptoassets, including the FCA's role, registration requirements, and recent legislative developments. The article explains the distinction between regulated and unregulated cryptoassets under UK law, covers anti-money laundering obligations, and references HM Treasury's consultation papers on the topic.
Last updated: 18 March 2026
NFTs
NFTs explained: beyond the hype
A balanced look at non-fungible tokens, how they work technically, notable use cases, and the criticisms they face. This article covers the ERC-721 and ERC-1155 standards, explains metadata storage (on-chain vs off-chain), and presents both the potential applications in areas like digital provenance and the environmental and cultural critiques.
8 min read
James Thornton
Last updated: 25 February 2026
Environment
Blockchain and energy consumption: what the research says
A fact-based overview of blockchain's environmental impact, including peer-reviewed studies and the shift toward less energy-intensive consensus models. The article presents energy estimates from the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance, discusses the role of renewable energy sources in mining, and explains how Proof of Stake substantially reduces energy requirements.
10 min read
Dr. Eleanor Marsh
Last updated: 1 March 2026