• Russian engineers are preparing to launch the 65-foot reflective “Mayak” satellite, which could become the brightest object in the night sky and has already drawn astronomer complaints about light pollution.  
• Scott Alexander published the 2016 Slate Star Codex nootropics survey—the largest public dataset on self-reported cognitive-enhancement practices—offering a rich resource for quantified-self and biohacking research.  
• Participants refined the definition of LSD microdosing to 10–15 µg/day (versus 100 µg+ recreational doses) and compared alternative psychedelics including LSA, 1P-LSD, and PIHKAL/TIHKAL compounds.  
• Chris_99 demonstrated real-time FM radio transmission from a Linux laptop by modulating the system bus clock, releasing working code and a YouTube demo that illustrates low-level hardware hacking.  
• cluckj’s newly completed RPI STS dissertation “Making the Biohackers” (shared via Google Drive) provides an academic ethnography of the DIY-bio movement and was circulated for community review.  
• Elio Motors’ SEC disclosure of burning through US $53 M without delivering its promised 84-mpg three-wheeler prompted critical discussion of crowdfunded vehicle ventures and their viability.  
• Smyth Performance’s kit-car platform (smythkitcars.com) was spotlighted for its open-source hybrid-conversion community and grassroots automotive hacking culture.