- A DIY PCR concept sketch was circulated, proposing real-time fluorescence monitoring with SYBR-green read every 0.5 s; participants explored whether thermostable enzymes or a hijacked eukaryotic cell-cycle phase plus photoporation could eliminate the need for a thermocycler.  
- Extensive literature review on bacterial natural competence was shared, concluding that even the “simplest” known system (Acinetobacter ADP1) requires ~16 competence genes (ComP, ComG, ComB, comE, comF, etc.) and single-gene knock-outs drop transformation efficiency 10- to 1000-fold.  
- Practical DNA-handling tips were exchanged: sonication fragments DNA, supercoiled vs. linear/concatameric plasmids migrate differently in gels, and streaking often signals degradation or contamination.  
- An AFM-based archival storage scheme achieving 1.6 Tb/in² by oxidizing titanium with 8 nm bits at 5 kbit/s was analyzed; open questions include cantilever material, deflection detection (laser vs. capacitive), and the feasibility of DIY construction from micropipette tips and glitter.  
- RepRap milestone: the first fully-reprapped electronic circuit—including solder traces—was demonstrated, accompanied by a video of a solder-pump paste dispenser.  
- Scanning capacitance microscopy (SCM) was discussed as a way to add a capacitance dimension to STM/AFM data; a 25-nm-resolution paper was linked, and the group debated whether a single multi-purpose tip could serve STM, AFM, and SCM modes despite wear and oxidation issues.  
- ZnO nanowires were highlighted as flexible, uniaxial piezoelectric elements for tactile sensor arrays, with Nokia-funded research on their integration into mobile-phone touch screens cited.  
- Participants mused on patron-style funding models for open-source transhumanist research, contrasting them with traditional art patronage, and briefly noted the 2007 DNS hijacking of the IFPI domain by The Pirate Bay as an example of copyright activism.