- A pre-print on ResearchGate claims to show sequential photographic evidence of fungal growth on Mars, prompting discussion about the platform’s credibility and the fringe nature of the claim.  
- Participants noted that ResearchGate and Academia.edu function mainly as file-hosting services, often filled with low-quality or unreviewed material, especially from certain regions.  
- Sci-Hub is actively defending itself in the Delhi High Court against copyright-infringement charges; the court has ordered an interim halt to new uploads, which Sci-Hub is observing to avoid contempt.  
- The Indian litigation strategy is seen as potentially viable because a prior Indian ruling held that photocopying textbooks for educational use constitutes fair use, creating a favorable precedent for open-access arguments.  
- A new xkcd comic (https://xkcd.com/2456/) about brain imaging was shared, sparking a tongue-in-cheek remark that “scanning some undergraduates” is a personal fetish, highlighting the channel’s dark humor around neurotech experimentation.  
- Kurzweil’s forthcoming book “The Singularity Is Nearer” has reportedly been delayed again, drawing sarcastic commentary from the channel.