- Transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) and galvanic vestibular stimulation were briefly compared as low-cost, DIY-accessible neuro-modulation techniques, with participants noting that informal protocols for the latter could inform the former.  
- A Forbes op-ed on “policing synthetic biology” was criticized for implying that the 2005 reconstruction of the 1918 influenza genome had itself killed 50 million people, sparking a wider discussion about sensationalist framing in science journalism.  
- Fifty-three venture capitalists from forty firms publicly opposed the PROTECT IP Act (PIPA) in a joint letter to Congress, arguing that the bill would chill start-up innovation; the channel linked the USV blog post summarizing the campaign.  
- Adafruit released open-source CAD files (STEP and PDF) for “iCufflinks,” illustrating the community’s interest in combining functional electronics with freely available mechanical designs.  
- A mobile, battery-powered “Thing-o-Matic” (RepRap derivative) build log was shared, showing an attempt to make desktop 3-D printing truly portable.  
- Participants exchanged links on non-verbal communication: a detailed body-language guide (westsidetoastmasters.com) and military hand-signal infographics, highlighting practical interest in rapid, covert signaling.  
- The Foresight Institute’s annual “Reunion” conference was announced as a live-streamed event for the coming weekend, promising talks on nanotech, AI, and longevity.  
- Patent-reform discussions referenced a Hacker News thread noting that the then-pending America Invents Act enjoyed White House and big-business support while facing opposition from independent inventors, small firms, and academics.