- Discussion of micro-hybrid rockets that use nitrous oxide and PVC as a simple, low-cost propellant combination.  
- Critique of the 2012 iGEM UCL team’s “DIYbio” page for claiming “genetic engineering” is common while “synthetic biology” is “not feasible,” despite EU regulations that technically forbid any genetic modification outside licensed labs.  
- Mention of London BioGeeks Google Group and the UK DIYbio group at MadLab as active (if poorly blog-updated) community hubs for public biotech outreach.  
- NanoEngineer-1 open-source nanotech CAD: a “mocking” branch was created to strip out OpenGL and make the code run on modern Linux/Python 2.6, highlighting ongoing efforts to refactor legacy molecular-design software.  
- George Church scheduled to visit Genspace NYC the following Thursday; participants noted his role on Genspace’s scientific advisory board and speculated on his ability to recall dozens of biotech investments.  
- Extended debate on the true cost of drug development: cited Tufts figure of $802 M–$1.7 B per approved drug, then explored “guerrilla pharma” scenarios that bypass FDA phases 3–4 and use quasi-GMP manufacturing, estimating $5–10 M for a minimal path.  
- Links shared: Tufts CSDD milestone reports, Pharmalot clinical-trial cost article, NIH PMC paper on inflated pharma R&D numbers, and a Globe & Mail piece arguing published costs are overstated.