- A 600 GB bacterial genome database is being downloaded from Virginia Tech after NIH failed to respond; the data’s redundancy makes custom compression unattractive.  
- EPFL’s open-access paper presents an automated microfluidic platform for long-term C. elegans culture and high-resolution imaging using thermo-reversible Pluronic F127 gel for reversible immobilization and integrated temperature control to study mitochondrial aging dynamics.  
- RSC’s “reagent pencils” paper offers a solvent-free method to deposit reagents onto paper microfluidic devices, expanding low-cost lab-on-chip possibilities.  
- A new open-source DNA microarray inkjet printer (POSaM successor) is under design; the team debates shrinking the 12"×12" print area to reduce cost and machine volume, currently oversized at 20"×24"×4".  
- Reagent handling challenges include keeping phosphoramidites and synthesis reagents anhydrous and oxygen-free; proposed solutions include sealed bottle systems, argon purging, print-head “condom” capping between runs, and using inert flush fluids to minimize 25 µL dead-volume losses.  
- CaptHindsight identified low-cost 400–750 W AC servo motor/driver sets (~US$200) as cheaper than equivalent closed-loop steppers, while noting legacy POSaM builds overspent ~US$23 k on Parker stages and $1.5 k on cables.  
- Motion and print-head control will use a Mesa FPGA card (6I24 family with Xilinx Spartan-6 LX16 or LX25); juri_ notes only Spartan-6 LX9/LX45 parts are supported by the open-source FPGATOOLS flow.  
- Environmental sensing requirements include DHT-series temp/humidity sensors and a K-30 NDIR CO₂ module; zero-oxygen verification via solenoid-valve atmosphere replacement was also discussed.