- A new open-source, field-deployable imaging platform called “Octopi” is described in a pre-print (bioRxiv 684423) for high-throughput infectious-disease diagnostics.  
- A Science paper reports cortical layer–specific critical dynamics that trigger perception, paired with the debut of the red-shifted opsin “ChRmine” and MacroSLM hardware for 3-D read–write brain access.  
- DARPA’s updated “Next-Generation Nonsurgical Neurotechnology” program page and Neuralink’s revised white-paper (bioRxiv 703801v3) were circulated as state-of-the-art references in non-invasive BCI.  
- Recent neuro-tech literature shared includes a genetically encoded reporter for imaging neuropeptide release at synapses (eLife 46421) and an arXiv essay asking, “What does it mean to understand a neural network?” (1907.06374).  
- A new Science study shows that color and orientation are jointly coded and spatially organized in primate primary visual cortex, offering fresh constraints for visual prosthesis design.  
- Discussion turned to the practicality of secure-element hardware already in orbit; participants concluded that on-satellite tamper resistance is largely unheard-of but sought contacts in the aerospace community to explore leasing options.  
- Historical context was provided via Project West Ford, the 1960s MIT/DoD experiment that dispersed millions of copper needles to create an artificial ionosphere for global communications.