- A $50–$75 open-source PCR thermocycler built from an Arduino, laser-cut wood, a milled aluminum block, 120 V resistive heaters and a PC fan was reported; it completes one PCR cycle in 3 minutes and is being tested at Austin Hackerspace (ATXHS).  
- A heated syringe-extruder add-on for RepRap-class printers that can print real sugar and chocolate (not icing) is about to be published; the authors are preparing open schematics, firmware, and CAD files for release on GitHub or diyhpl.us to maximize global access.  
- The June 2012 issue of the International Journal of Machine Consciousness was noted as “the first-ever collection of scientific and philosophical papers on mind uploading,” prompting skepticism about the absence of earlier brain-scanning compilations.  
- A new clinical gene-therapy review was shared, focusing on oncolytic viruses such as BioVex/Amgen’s HSV-1-based OncoVEX, valued at up to $1 billion, alongside a link to Oncolytics Biotech.  
- DIY-bio outreach at TED Global 2012 was announced: Genspace will run DNA extractions, E. coli pBLU transformations and “DNA cocktails” for attendees under the “Radical Openness” theme.  
- Global IVF statistics were debated: ~3 million IVF babies born since 1978, 1 % of U.S. births from ART in 2006, and Israel leading at 1,657 cycles per million people per year with state-funded treatment up to two children.  
- The prospect of unionizing laboratory scientists was explored, citing the Independent Laboratory Employees Union (ExxonMobil Research) and discussing whether collective bargaining could raise “biotech bitch” wages above ~$8–12/hour.