• Directed evolution (iterative selection) is distinguished from “intelligent design” in that the former relies on empirical rounds of variation and selection without prior knowledge of genotype–phenotype links, whereas the latter implies top-down CAD-style engineering that would skip those steps if full causal understanding were available.

• The FDA is statutorily barred from approving germline interventions, creating a regulatory bottleneck for any U.S.–based “designer baby” programs.

• DARPA’s “Insect Allies” program aims to use aphids and whiteflies as delivery vectors for gene-therapy viruses that protect crops in the field, raising dual-use bioweapon concerns.

• A newly published protocol has achieved in-vitro generation of human oogonia, pointing toward future gametogenesis without traditional germ cells and expanding options for fertility preservation and genetic selection.

• Recent work on CRISPR tolerance modifications suggests engineering humans with reduced immune sensitivity to CRISPR components, potentially enabling repeated or systemic gene-editing therapies.

• DNA data-storage prototypes now exist at the scale of a school bus, with algorithms for encoding and random access discussed in a talk by Ruthie Nachmany.

• Longevity-focused venture funds—Apollo Ventures, Methuselah Fund, and the Longevity Investor Network—report closing initial raises and making early investments in lysosens bioremediation and other rejuvenation biotechnologies.

• IVF offspring show a measurable increase in adolescent arterial hypertension, highlighting long-term health questions that must be addressed as embryo-selection and gene-editing techniques scale.

• A 50 µm “microwasp” with ~7,400 neurons—smaller than some single-celled organisms—demonstrates extreme miniaturization of nervous systems and the destruction of neuronal nuclei during development.

• The #hplusroadmap community continues to curate transcripts and links, including Laolu Osuntokun’s 2016 Lightning Network talk and Scaling Bitcoin discussions on handling reorgs and forks.