- Open-source CAD and mechanical computing: BRL-CAD (brlcad.org) was highlighted as a free alternative to proprietary tools like SolidWorks; discussion extended to automatically converting digital logic (Verilog/VLSI) into mechanical gear-based computers and generating schematics for machinists.

- DIY biodiesel & algae oil extraction: Participants compared hexane baths (~98 % efficient), heated presses (~70 %), “nanoknives,” and bead-mill cell-rupture methods for recovering lipids from high-oil algae strains; safety and environmental containment of non-native species were debated.

- Home bioreactor automation: Detailed plans for servo-controlled CO₂/air valves (Arduino/BASIC Stamp + check valves) to regulate algae growth chambers were shared, including warnings about CO₂ leaks and corrosion from carbonic acid.

- Fluorescent-protein biohacking: Walmart-sold GFP/RFP fish were cited as an off-the-shelf source of fluorescent proteins; Meredith’s project to engineer glow-in-the-dark yogurt with GFP-expressing bacteria was mentioned.

- DIY flow cytometry: A concept for an inkjet-printer-based, home-built flow cytometer was floated, including required parts (laser, Hoechst 33342 DNA stain, photodetectors) and the challenge of sourcing restricted dyes.

- Nuclear-transfer cloning & “disruptive” biology: gene teased an undisclosed, potentially “unethical” DIY protocol and separately raised the feasibility of home nuclear-transfer cloning, prompting discussion on reagent access and safety.

- Low-cost lab hardware links: Spanish media coverage of DIYbio was shared, highlighting Whitesides’ hand-crank egg-beater centrifuge for blood-plasma separation and other garage-biotech hacks.

- Magnetosome purification idea: Using magnetotactic bacteria (Magnetococcus) to produce magnetic nanoparticles for easy restriction-enzyme pull-down was proposed as an alternative to antibody-based purification.

- Ponoko metal laser-cutting: Announcement that Ponoko now offers laser cutting of metal sheets, expanding rapid-prototyping options for hardware builds.

- Modeling bottleneck: kanzure_ noted that lack of good packaging and modeling tools, rather than wet-lab techniques, is currently the biggest barrier to open biotech progress.