- Anybots telepresence robots were highlighted as a platform for remote embodiment and interaction research.  
- Ensembl Genome Browser and UCSD Genome Browser were discussed as key open-access resources for comparative genomics and personal genomics analysis.  
- SNPedia was identified as a wiki-style database linking specific genetic variants to phenotypic traits such as intelligence.  
- Senseg’s “E-Sense” electro-tactile film was noted as an emerging haptics technology for adding programmable touch feedback to surfaces.  
- Meka Robotics’ M3 humanoid robot runs an LGPL-licensed real-time operating system that integrates EtherCAT industrial networking with Python scripting, enabling open-source robotics development.  
- EtherCAT was explained as a high-performance, low-latency Ethernet fieldbus standard suitable for real-time control of robotic joints and sensors.  
- A Craigslist posting for a used $3,500+ precision motion stage was shared, prompting discussion of potential DIY automation or bio-instrumentation projects.  
- Practical Arduino book (free PDF) was circulated as a resource for open-source hardware experimentation.  
- Shazam’s audio fingerprinting service was praised, with a suggestion to add a dial-in number so non-smartphones could access the same functionality.  
- Diaspora’s Kickstarter campaign had just reached ~$188 k, sparking commentary on decentralized social-network alternatives.