- A Current Biology paper (Oct 25 2018) reports the first genetic mapping of butterfly wing-color switching, identifying the single gene aristaless1 (al1) as the on/off switch between white and yellow patterns in Heliconius cydno.  
- Participants debated using the patent system as a deliberate regulatory lever for gene editing, citing a Nature commentary and a National Law Review article that argue “no interference in fact” between CRISPR patents could let policy-makers shape permissible edits.  
- Russian researchers published a protocol for creating the natural 32-nt CCR5Δ32 deletion in human zygotes with CRISPR-Cas9, optimizing timing during S-phase to reach high homozygous-editing efficiency (Vestnik RGMU, 2018).  
- Discussion of loopholes for “designer babies” included proposals to grow human brain organoids (currently ~mm²) in robot bodies or to transplant mature brains into animal hosts—countered with the observation that such nerve-repair capability would immediately benefit paralyzed patients.  
- Amino.bio’s “Genetic Engineering Hero” book was shared as an entry-level resource for learning hands-on genetic engineering at home.  
- SpaceLife Origin announced two commercial space-biology missions: a 2021 “Space-Embryo-Incubator” that will conceive and develop embryos in orbit for four days before return, and a follow-up 24–36-hour mission to deliver the first human baby in space at 250 mi altitude, priced at US $250 k–$5 M per seat.