• A DIY-friendly microfluidic actuation concept was debated: using passive surface-tension gradients (hydrophilic/hydrophobic patterns, pore-density gradients, or angled photolithography) to move droplets without external pumps, aiming at reusable DNA-synthesis or biosensor chips.  
• Links to two key papers were shared: “Reliable neuronal logic devices from patterned hippocampal cultures” (living neuronal circuits) and “Self-directed movements of droplets on radially patterned surfaces based on self-assembled monolayers” (gradient-driven droplet transport).  
• Swine-flu (H1N1) genomic data had just appeared on PubMed; participants discussed rapid open-source diagnostics, including inkjet-based DNA micro-arrays, photolithographic spotting, and attoliter dispensers milled on AFM probes.  
• A Google-Scholar Firefox extension was under construction to log past queries and auto-generate new keyword combinations, intended to prevent “research circles” and accelerate literature discovery.  
• Community resource lists were exchanged: kanzure’s personal “om.html” link list, P2P Foundation open-manufacturing pages, and a new Riseup wiki page for open-source hardware links.  
• Practical maker notes: ferric chloride for PCB etching is Radio-Shack-available; broken flat-panel TVs and densitometers are cheap salvage for parts; anecdotal success obtaining free laser diodes and lab gear by cold-calling vendors.  
• Blender’s new robotics wiki and the DIY keyboard project (diykeyboard.org) were briefly surfaced as open-hardware tools.