- A discussion on “reverse outsourcing” linked from Slashdot sparked speculation about future “robosourcing” or “space sourcing” of labor.  
- Participants debated the legal risks of hosting copyrighted academic papers on kanzure’s personal server (adl.serveftp.org); a takedown-notice page titled “A Notice to Publishers” was drafted and uploaded to mitigate liability.  
- DIYbio activity was highlighted: NYC DIYbio group reported inserting GFP genes into DNA, and NPR featured Kay Aull’s home genotyping lab for the HFE gene.  
- drazak_ outlined a kitchen-table protocol for PCR and gel electrophoresis using a 12 V battery, copper wire, tupperware, and food-grade agarose, emphasizing ultra-low-cost biology.  
- genehacker and drazak_ explored synthesizing photolabile phosphoramidites (e.g., NPPOC-D-adenosine phosphoramidite) from scratch to avoid reliance on Sigma-Aldrich for DNA-chip fabrication.  
- kanzure shared open-hardware resources: SparkFun’s Eagle component library, Fritzing tutorials for custom parts, and the “print your AFM” project with CAD models and full parts lists.  
- A commercial tabletop SEM called “mySEM” (~$100 k) was discussed; participants sought sub-$10 k alternatives and considered adapting cathode-ray or ultrasonic-motor approaches.  
- Safety culture was contrasted between DIYbio and “underground chemistry” communities; roguesci was criticized for reckless posts, while sciencemadness was recommended as a saner forum.