- A new open-source, low-cost multi-fluorescence imaging platform for biology and bioengineering education and research was highlighted, with full build instructions and software hosted at https://osf.io/dy6p2/ and the paper at http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0187163.  
- The preprint “The Temporal Singularity: time-accelerated simulated civilizations and their implications” (arXiv:1806.08561) was shared, exploring the consequences of civilizations running at vastly faster than real time.  
- A cryptographic paper on “Physical zero-knowledge proofs of physical properties” (Crypto 2014, https://www.iacr.org/archive/crypto2014/86160292/86160292.pdf) was circulated, extending zero-knowledge protocols to physical systems.  
- Devin Leake’s move from Ginkgo Bioworks to Catalog DNA was noted, signaling personnel shifts among prominent synthetic-biology companies.  
- Community member docl announced plans to volunteer with Dani Eder’s project in Fairburn, GA from 15–31 July and invited local participants to meet up.  
- A brief discussion on payday-loan business models framed high “service fees” as a legal workaround to usury limits.  
- A Current Biology paper (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2018.05.057) on spiders using electrodynamic tethers for ballooning was linked, highlighting bio-inspired electrostatic locomotion strategies.