- A new microarray-based DNA synthesis chip reported in Nature Biotechnology (Tian et al., 2011) claims to drop gene synthesis cost from ~$0.50–$1.00 per base pair to < $0.005 by using inkjet phosphoramidite chemistry on glass slides; the group’s earlier technical details are in “In situ synthesis of DNA” (Saaem et al., 2010).  
- Channel participants questioned the headline cost figure, noting that microarray chemistry differs fundamentally from bead-based synthesis and that the quoted reagent prices may not scale as advertised.  
- David Pearce’s diary excerpt was circulated, criticizing Teva Pharmaceuticals for legal threats over the rasagiline.com domain and warning that Big Pharma’s capture of pharmaceutical namespaces endangers open information access for patients.  
- Discussion of the newly announced “Open Cures” initiative (H+ Magazine article) was dismissed by some as vaporware, with one member stating that its proponent “Reason” shows little real intent to execute the proposed open-source longevity-clinical pipeline.  
- Practical advice on pre-IPO stock options: treat them strictly as a potential bonus, never as salary replacement, because statistically most grants expire worthless.  
- A Costa Rican university (ULACIT) was highlighted for offering a major specializing in open-source technologies, seen as a possible exchange destination for a channel member.  
- USA Today’s forthcoming print article on “biopunk” biohackers was linked, indicating growing mainstream coverage of DIY biology.