- A Science Advances paper (https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/7/26/eabg6082) reports the discovery of a natural “rejuvenation event” during early mammalian embryogenesis: multi-tissue epigenetic clocks show biological age dropping sharply in both mouse and human embryos, then rising again as development proceeds, suggesting that pluripotent stem cells remain at a minimal “ground-zero” age until differentiation begins.

- Participants debated whether this embryonic rejuvenation is simply the mechanical dilution of damaged molecules through rapid cell division or whether specific epigenetic reprogramming mechanisms are at play; the paper’s choice of methylation-based markers was flagged for deeper reading.

- The channel surveyed state-of-the-art artificial-muscle technologies: coiled carbon-nanotube monofilament (Ray Baughmann), high-voltage electrostatic carbon-fiber actuators with extreme power-to-weight ratios, shape-memory-alloy “muscle wire,” and McKibben-style pneumatic artificial muscles (e.g., Festo Fluidic Muscle) were all highlighted as leading options.

- Tick-borne disease control was discussed pragmatically: a New Atlas article on the “Tick Rover” robot (http://newatlas.com/tick-rover-robot/28410/) that lures and kills ticks with CO₂ and permethrin was shared, alongside comparisons of topical repellents—DEET versus picaridin (12-hour protection), and the observation that the best human repellents dissolve spandex clothing.

- Broader ecological notes included the idea that modern restrictions on hunting deer and the absence of predators like wolves have removed historical population controls on tick hosts, contributing to rising tick abundance.