- SWITL robotic gripper demo: a Japanese device (Furukawa Kiko) able to scoop up viscous liquids like ketchup without leaving residue, suggesting new handling paradigms for wet-lab automation.  
- Immune-system “re-wiring” concept: use a DNA aptamer–chemical linker that tethers pre-existing human anti-α-Gal antibodies to a specific influenza strain, effectively tricking the body into mounting an immediate, targeted antiviral response.  
- Android app “Colony Count” released for automated bacterial-plate enumeration, lowering the barrier to quantitative DIY microbiology.  
- Flickr pools highlighted as community documentation hubs: DIYBio Manchester group and MadLabUK collections provide visual build logs for open-source lab hardware and protocols.  
- Genome Alberta blog post “Biohacking 101: Tools of the Biopunk Trade” circulated, cataloging low-cost gear and techniques for garage-grade molecular biology.