- A Nature paper on Human Artificial Chromosome (HAC) vectors for gene therapy was shared, highlighting a potential platform for large-scale, stable gene delivery.  
- Lucas also circulated two additional methods: adeno-associated virus (AAV) site-specific integration (PNAS 1990) and a Nature Protocols article on rapid bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) modification for high-throughput mouse transgenesis.  
- kanzure posted findings that the aging prefrontal cortex accumulates excess cAMP, weakening neuronal firing; the already-approved drug guanfacine restores youthful firing patterns, suggesting an off-label route to cognitive enhancement in the elderly.  
- The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit reaffirmed that isolated human DNA molecules are patent-eligible, prompting a heated debate on whether gene patents accelerate or stifle innovation, with the Wright brothers patent war cited as historical evidence of suppression.  
- OSCON 2011 talk “Garage Biology and DIYbio” (video and slides linked) showcased the migration of early DIYbio efforts from makeshift garages to a funded Sunnyvale lab, sparking criticism that suburban settings may lack the creative density needed for grassroots biotech.  
- A brief note on Korean researchers creating glow-in-the-dark transgenic dogs was shared as an example of state-level synthetic biology capabilities.