Cardano is a blockchain platform that aims to provide a secure and scalable infrastructure for the development of decentralized applications (dApps) and the execution of smart contracts. It was created by Input Output Hong Kong (IOHK), a blockchain research and development company led by Charles Hoskinson, one of the co-founders of Ethereum.

Cardano uses a unique proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus algorithm called Ouroboros, which is designed to be secure, sustainable, and scalable. The platform is built in layers, with each layer serving a specific purpose and providing a clear separation of concerns. The two main layers are the Cardano Settlement Layer (CSL) and the Cardano Computation Layer (CCL).

The Cardano Settlement Layer (CSL) is responsible for handling the platform's native cryptocurrency called ADA, as well as transaction settlement. ADA is used for various purposes within the Cardano ecosystem, including staking, paying for transaction fees, and participating in the platform's governance.

The Cardano Computation Layer (CCL) is where smart contracts are executed. It supports the development of decentralized applications (dApps) and allows developers to create and deploy smart contracts using Cardano's programming language, called Plutus.

Cardano has a strong focus on research-driven development and aims to provide a platform that is secure, scalable, and sustainable. The project has a strong emphasis on peer-reviewed research and formal verification methods to ensure the security and reliability of its protocols and infrastructure.

In terms of adoption, Cardano has gained significant attention and has a growing community of developers and supporters. It aims to address the scalability and sustainability issues faced by earlier blockchain platforms like Bitcoin and Ethereum. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Cardano had not fully released all of its planned features, but it had made significant progress towards its roadmap milestones.

Please note that the information provided here is accurate as of my last knowledge update in September 2021. For the most up-to-date and detailed information about Cardano, I recommend visiting the official Cardano website or referring to the latest resources and news about the project.