API

Title: What Is Progress? Knowledge Aggregation, Living Textbooks, and the Automation of Scientific Discovery Date: June 20 2026 Noon - 14:00 EDT Summary: Our collective knowledge infrastructure — the textbooks, professional training resources, and literature syntheses that define what professionals across disciplines believe to be true — is quietly accruing a structural liability. Compounded confirmation bias, stacked citation-by-citation into the foundations of formal knowledge, means that breakthroughs can take decades to reach the classrooms, clinical workflows, and decision-making frameworks where they matter most. Meanwhile, the deepest friction is rarely acknowledged: before any field can build meaningful consensus on "why" or "how" a phenomenon occurs, it must first establish honest, consolidated agreement on "what" has actually been observed. That prior step is routinely skipped, assumed, or fragmented across siloed literatures that never cross-pollinate. This talk introduces a framework called "Knowledge Aggregation" — with two distinct but complementary ambitions. The first is descriptive transparency: algorithmically mapping what has been said, measured, and documented across a problem space, without imposing causal interpretation or narrative. The second traces the boundary between empirical observation and explanatory claim, building systems that can separate the "what" from the "why/how" — because consensus on mechanism cannot be meaningfully constructed until consensus on phenomenon is first established. Both ambitions are now within reach. By composing tools already at our disposal — large language models, classical NLP pipelines, public data repositories, and engineering-grade automation frameworks — it becomes possible to model knowledge itself, rather than merely imitate individual experts. One concrete expression of this is automating the writing of living textbooks: compressing the lag from bleeding-edge discovery, through replicated evidence, all the way to professional training resources. But the deeper aspiration reaches further — toward automating the discovery of scientific insights that have never previously been conceived, by systematically surfacing hypothesis combinations that no single siloed researcher would have had the cross-disciplinary vantage point to even ask. Drawing on ongoing systems biology and computational research — with ME/CFS research demoed as a use case for what siloed, fragmented knowledge infrastructure costs in practice — this talk maps the conceptual architecture, the real-world friction, and the data science toolkit for building it. Speaker: As a systems biologist at heart, Sam specializes his biomedical research on interactions and connections in biology - rather than just one domain of expertise. He wears many hats and collects skill sets across disciplines, with degree studies and industry experience acquired across Chemical Engineering (BSc), Bioinformatics (MSc), Systems and Synthetic Biology (M2), Biomedical Sciences (MSc), and beyond. Even more important to him than niches or fields of work, comes down to the synergistic approaches that allow us to move beyond reductionism. The notion that a question can only allow for one answer, is inherently reductionist. By resisting many norms in science and engineering which can get overly reductive, his current role as Principal Investigator of Research for DMV Petri Dish (501(c)(3) non-profit local to the DMV region) embraces computational frameworks that aide scale-up and automation - not only around the processes which already exist with established workflows, but also taking a keen interest in attempting and accomplishing ambitions which have never been perceived to be possible previously. Sam carries a passion for the synergy of computational biology - fused with wet lab validation. This way, one can build a beautiful knowledge base in the theoretical sense, and then test to see if said computational prediction might actually be able to stand in the real world with wet lab validation. Translational modeling starts to become possible once biological experiment design can be iteratively looped alongside computational model design, optimization, and analysis - empowering the design of a better wet lab experiment, followed by a better computational model, back and forth until science is done!

Think you aren't flexible enough for yoga? Afraid to get onto the floor? Living with physical aches or restricted range of motion? Then this is the perfect yoga class for you! Explore your body's strengths in a fun, supportive environment while maintaining and growing your range of motion, flexibility, balance, strength, and sense of peace. All are welcome in this therapeutic class. Come ready to try new things, laugh, ask questions, and support each other. **Please reserve your spot at www.piesfitnessyoga.com.** The session is offered both InStudio and OnLine. The Zoom link for the OnLine session will be emailed 15 minutes before class starts to those who are registered at www.piesfitnessyoga.com. **Sign up for sessions must be made at least 2 hours prior to class.** The address is 1322 Prince St Alexandria, VA 22314. Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 3,5,7,9**. The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St. Discount is available to seniors, teachers, students, emergency responders, and military. All can save by purchasing class packs.

NOTE: This working session is at West End Neighbourhood Library not MLK. It is near the Foggy Bottom Metro Station. A game development **Working Session** involves 3 key parts: 1. Tell people what you're going to do 2. Actually do stuff 3. Show people what you did **What to bring**: Laptop, Charger, maybe a power strip if you have one handy, any other game development tools you need. Try to download any software you need before the working session. There is Wifi at this location, but it may be slow if you have to download any large files.

**PATC Map G/ VA Bus** *$36. Long hike: 12 mi., 2500 ft. elevation gain. Moderate hike: 9 mi., 2000 ft. elevation gain.* We frequently cover the Signal Knob area of Massanutten Mountain, but today’s hike will explore the other side of the historic Fort Valley. Long hikers will take the Buzzard Rock Trail to ascend to the Massanutten Trail and proceed to the junction with the Shawl Gap Trail. Moderate hikers will ascend to this junction on the Massanutten Trail from Elizabeth Furnace. All hikers will then proceed on the Massanutten Trail along the ridgeline and descend to the road via the Veach Gap Trail, descending through the lovely Mill Run gorge. RESERVATIONS Capital Hiking Club is a non-profit group, and the public is invited on all trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Friday, but reserving before Wednesday night helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup and pay through PayPal. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number and where you'll be boarding the bus. We don't want to leave you behind! FIRST-TIME HIKERS If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep at least a 2 mph pace. BUS STOPS: VIRGINIA ROUTING Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes before times listed below. All our bus stops are Metro accessible. If you're driving to meet the bus, we strongly advise using the Vienna bus stop, as parking is extremely limited at the others. Bus stops and times are as follows (click links for maps): * **[DC: Near 17th and K St. NW](https://bit.ly/17thandKnu)** downtown (east side of Farragut Square). Bus leaves at 8 a.m. SHARP, so it's essential to arrive well before 8. * **[VIENNA METRO: NORTH parking lot](http://bit.ly/vienna-bus)**, last bus shelter (Nutley St. Exit off Interstate 66 on North/Vienna side of I-66) at approximately 8:25 a.m. Note: There is a "south" parking lot where there are also bus shelters. If by 8:15, you're not with a group of hikers who say they're Capital Hiking Club, you're likely at the south lot. There's a walkway over I-66 to the north lot. LIABILITY By RSVP'ing for a CHC hike, you acknowledge and accept that hikers are responsible for their own safety and must assume risks and liability for all outings. CHC leaders, officers, and representatives shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any trips or club activities. Participants will be asked to sign a waiver the day of the hike. CANCELLATION POLICY To cancel and receive a full refund less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on Meetup **before 12PM the Thursday** before the hike. If you change your RSVP after 12PM the Thursday before the hike, no refunds will be issued. MORE DETAILS -- **[SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE](https://www.capitalhikingclub.org/hikes-faqs)**

It's my birthday! Let's craft. We'll be meeting at Quill and Crumbs at the Shakespeare Folger Library in SE. The Shakespeare Folger Library is about 3 blocks from the Capitol South metro. Head up First as you get out of the station, pass the Library of Congress and the Capitol, turn right on East Capitol, and the Folger is on the right. The entrance is around the side, not through the front of the building. Head upstairs to the cafe and we'll be at the tables at the back. Bring your own cross stitch, knitting, crochet, or other portable craft.

THIS CLASS IS OFFERED THROUGH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER **PLEASE REGISTER WITH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER, NOT MEETUP!** https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2026-06-20-national-zoo-field-shoot Join us for a morning at the National Zoo and learn tips for photographing animals. Whether you’re planning an African safari or just want to learn to take better photographs of the animals at the zoo or in your backyard, this class will help you capture more compelling images. Learn how to isolate subjects and effectively use available light to create dynamic photos. Improve your focusing skills to achieve sharp focus on moving and still subjects. **Topics include:** * Compositional choices * Options to control exposure * Shutter speeds and depth of field * Focus settings * And more This class is best suited for digital SLR or Mirrorless cameras that allow shutter, aperture, or manual exposure control. Any combination of lenses covering wide to telephoto range (18–300mm) and a circular polarizing filter if you have one. Tripods won’t be needed for this class. Admission to the Zoo is free, but entry passes are required for all guests, including infants. More information can be found here, https://rb.gy/t0htt3 Questions can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com. Class Limit: 8-9 *** **THIS CLASS IS OFFERED THROUGH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER** https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2026-06-20-national-zoo-field-shoot

Theme: Gentle Flow Yoga & Meditation Level: Beginner to Intermediate Time: Sunday 9:00 – 10:00 AM Location: Bluemont park Cost: Free What to bring: Yoga mat, water, comfortable clothing Location: Basketball court of Bluemont park, google map 38°52'06.2"N 77°07'52.0"W Parking: South Bluemont Parking Area About the session *A gentle flow-based yoga session to move, stretch, and reconnect with your body. We may include simple breathing techniques and a short meditation session. - This is not a high-intensity class. You are welcome to go at your own pace and take breaks anytime. *Suitable for beginners and regular practitioners. Notes - Light food is recommended before practice *Outdoor session: feel free to bring sunscreen, towel, or anything you need - Please be mindful of your own body and practice within your limits By joining, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own health and well-being during the session. About the host 200h Yoga Teacher Training (2019) Long-term yoga practitioner and part-time teacher 🌿 May you find a moment of ease and connection in your practice. **Smiley Social documents:** 1. [Group Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg) 2. [Liability Waiver](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco)

Join our ASL Brunch on Sundays in Greenbelt! All ASL users and learners are welcome. Brunches are alternately held at two restaurants in Greenbelt, both in the same town plaza. ODD WEEKS: 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays, we meet at Cedars of Lebanon, 103 Centerway. EVEN WEEKS: 2nd and 4th Sundays, we meet at New Deal Café,113 Centerway. We are the Greenbelt ASL Community, a group of both Deaf and hearing people who hang out, chat about everyday goings on, trade stories, get to know each other better, and of course, enjoy food together. Many members use ASL as their primary language, several are interpreters or other fluent ASL users, while others are ASL learners who wish to improve their skills while making new friends. Before or after brunch, you can visit the farmer's market and small coop grocery store in the plaza. Please RSVP so we can contact you via email if needed. Our group is on Facebook as Greenbelt ASL Community. Some longtime Brunch attendees don't mark their attendance here, so feel free to stop by even if you don't see others who have RSVP'd on Meet-up.

Come join us for the weekly open mic night and enjoy a mix of comedy, poetry, and music!

Hello everyone! Please join Japanese conversation group at Arlington Central Library group room. Where: Arlington Central Library, Wilson Room max 12 people Who: People who want to speak in Japanese or listen to Japanese conversation \-\- Both native speakers and language learners are welcome\! \-\- Feel free to chat about Japanese culture\, food\, anime\, etc\. Access by DC Metro：Metrostation is nearby, **Ballston-MU** and **Virginia Square-GMU** Access by car: Library has parking space. Parkmobile spaces available around the library \*We can go to Japanese restaurant or something after library room is closed. PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES: \-\- If you are new\, feel free to introduce yourself to Jun\. \-\- Please speak in Japanese as much as possible\. That being said\, people seeking listening practice are also welcome\! \-\- Try not to dominate conversations when someone else is trying to contribute\. If it helps\, strike up or join a conversation with different people\. \-\- If you feel uncomfortable for any reason \(conversation topic\, attendee\, etc\.\)\, please speak up\. If you would prefer to let us know in private\, contact \(240\) 544\-7230 or [nagahana@gmail.com.](http://nagahana@gmail.com./) We look forward to seeing you there!

Hey Poetry Lovers! This group is on a roll. Here’s the gist: We meet at the **Capital One Café in Chinatown** from **12pm - 2pm** every other week. For enrichment, we start by reading and reflecting on a **“published poem”**, suggested by someone in the group. No advance preparation is necessary. But feel free to check out some of the poems we’ve read [here](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vSyE_wCLQCPHRrKmN5F9tOIeeRQUZESxjRXGVBoCF2uU8Gm0_d0uECiCBCQXEy6ksxfsBOhtRIOpW3T/pubhtml?gid=0&single=true&widget=true&headers=false%22%3E%3C/iframe%3E). Or submit suggestions for future meetings [here](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSexGc2Z2Kp6bZW0D3_hfJ7NUUkfNHf7TXX-43FglCeBd9EF2Q/viewform?usp=send_form). Next, we **share our work and offer feedback**. Depending on attendance, everyone gets \~10 minutes to use as they like. (No need to share, though; you’re welcome to come even if you prefer just to listen.) We maintain a **Discord server** to help share our work and communicate outside our bi-weekly meet-ups. If you haven’t used Discord before, take a moment to download it and create an account before arriving. When we meet you on Saturday, we will add you to our server, the “DC Poetry Workshop”, and can help you navigate the app if you have questions. Finally, if you plan on sharing a poem, consider how you will do so. Some options include: * Print 5-10 copies to distribute in person * Take and share screenshots in the Discord chat. * Copy the poem into a google doc, change sharing settings to “anyone with link”, and copy the google doc link into the Discord chat. Most importantly, we’re excited to meet you! Catch you on Saturday, Diego / Ian / Cayden / Nate / Otasha / Lia / An

Come exchange Asian Languages that you speak! ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU WILL BE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. We will assign tables for represented languages. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. As you all remember well, this event used to bring out hundreds of people every week. However, it was discontinued last year for obvious reasons and we couldn't gather that many people now, because of restrictions. Hence, we are downsizing and caping the number of attendees. We have super limited spots and advance ticket purchase is required. ***AFTER THE HAPPY HOUR, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!*** HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. Rules to abide : 1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID). 2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well. 3. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible. 4. If you don't speak the other person's required language, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion. 6. This is a face-to-face language exchange event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message. 7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box. 8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via (info@merevents.com). 9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group. 10. Don't be shy of your local languages. We have diplomates assigned to different countries, who would love to practice your languages. 11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\. 12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\. You ought to have register on Meetup for a free entry\. Otherwise\, you will be subject to a cover charge\. 11. 13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speaker\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \(info@merevents\.com\)\. We have a school and will arrange you a class\. 12.

Let's get together to play some competitive quads and doubles volleyball. **COST**: FREE **Court Type**: Outdoor grass **Minimum Skill Requirements**: Intermediate (click [here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/mobilebasic) for details) Attention: 1. This event is **NOT on a first come-first serve** basis and players with higher skill level and players who can bring a net/ball will get priority over others on the wait list. 2. Since skill levels are **self-reported**, some new attendees may not meet the expected level. For doubles, we encourage you to choose a partner you can enjoy the game with, and since this a competitive event, it is okay if you make a strong team and win all the games. 3. Each person must help set up and take down one net, leaving some nets unset for latecomers. 4. Please answer all questions, so it's helpful for us to organize the event. **Smiley Social documents:** 1. [Group Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg) 2. [Smiley Social Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/edit) 3. [Good doubles partner](https://docs.google.com/document/d/14weEw-P52XKx0P8K2l-ZOFtYU61wmfdkSkopbG5avro/) 4. [Liability Waiver](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco)

**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you. The building address is 4450 Bridge Park The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400 You will need to scan your ID at the door to get a visitor badge. **Abstract** *Customize the IDE: Building Extensions for Visual Studio Code* Visual Studio Code is one of the most widely used development environments today, and much of its flexibility comes from its extension ecosystem. Extensions allow developers to customize the editor with new features, integrations, and workflow improvements tailored to their needs. In this session, we’ll cover what extensions are and the different types available, including full extensions written in TypeScript or JavaScript, along with lighter-weight extensions such as color themes, language packs, language support, code snippets, and keymaps. We’ll also look at practical reasons a developer might create an extension, from automating repetitive tasks to adding custom tooling. The session includes a hands-on walkthrough of creating a new extension, testing it locally, and understanding the basic project structure. We’ll close with a brief overview of how extensions are packaged and published to the Visual Studio Marketplace and other distribution options. **YouTube Link** TBD

We are going to build together with all the CLIs! E will be doing it at Columbus Code and Coffee Agenda --- Hosted By James Power, Organizer Pete Gordon, Organizer Just a Software Guy in the age of the Internet. Complete your event RSVP here: https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-columbus-presents-ai-improv-lets-build-a-game-together-with-claude-code-codex-and-gemini-and-be-the-judge/.

**Improving Office in Franklinton** Physical location: Improving Office 330 Rush Alley Suite #150 Columbus, OH 43215 Schedule: 6:00 p.m.: Socialize, eat, and drink. Improving will be providing pizza and beverages. 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Main meeting and presentation(s). Topic: This month Chris Pazsint will be talking about Agentic Coding. How does one use CLI Based Agents, and Agentic IDEs such as Cursor, Kiro, Antigravity? How to include agentic coding plugins for IDEs you already love such as Visual Studio Code. We meet on the last Monday of each Month. Presentations are given by members and friends of this group. If you would like to do a presentation (small or large) on a python topic, please contact Central OH Python at centralohpython@gmail.com

We are bringing Microsoft Build sessions to Columbus Ohio! The Central Ohio Azure Meetup and Central Ohio .NET Developer's Group (CONDG) are coming together to bring some of the labs and breakouts from Microsoft Build to your backyard. In this free, 1 day event, you are going to Build stuff with us! And yes, there will be free food. Please RSVP via [Microsoft Build //localhost:columbus | Microsoft Reactor](https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/reactor/events/27247/).

Most people still use AI like a search box: type one question, get one answer, repeat. But the next step is AI agents: systems that can take a goal, break it into steps, use tools, remember context, and produce useful work for a human to review. In this beginner-friendly session, we’ll demystify what AI agents actually are — without hype or jargon. We’ll walk through practical examples of how agents can help with research, planning, writing, coding, operations, and personal productivity. We’ll cover: * What makes an AI “agent” instead of just a chatbot * How agents break tasks into steps * Where agents are genuinely useful today * Where they fail, hallucinate, or need human review * How to design simple AI workflows for your own work * A live demo of an AI agent-style workflow from start to finish No coding experience required. This is for anyone who wants to understand where AI tools are going and how to use them more effectively right now. LOGISTICS AND PARKING: The talk starts at 7:00 PM. The first half hour is reserved for everyone to get set up and mingle. Free pizza and drinks! The cheapest parking option is to find street parking, which will only cost you a few bucks. Otherwise, park in the nearby veteran's museum lot for $8. It's highly recommended you avoid the nearby $15 garage parking.

Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you! **What to Expect at the Intro Circle** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup: * Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics Round 1 - (7 secs max): * Your name * What you're working on * What you can help others with Round 2: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. Round 3: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!