- Raspberry Pi-based DIY spectrometer project: chris_99 ordered a Pi Noir (Sony IMX219 IR camera) to build a low-cost spectrometer aimed at measuring an ethanol absorption peak around 900 nm for ABV determination; discussion covered 10-bit raw Bayer data access via Python, noise differences between Sony and earlier Omnivision sensors, and the trade-off between bit depth and resolution for quantitative spectroscopy.

- Electroporation hardware design debate: participants compared a 1.8 kV open-circuit HV DC supply published in BioCoder against a smaller, coil-based pulsed design; the latter is favored for miniaturized lab devices, with open questions on optimal waveforms, AC vs DC requirements, and the biophysics of pore formation kinetics.

- Peer-review integrity proposal: kanzure highlighted Derek Lowe’s blog post advocating “tiger-team” sting submissions—deliberately flawed papers to test editorial rigor—with public “ding scores” for reviewers and journals; discussion noted the need for credible alternative review models and the risk of further burdening already altruistic reviewers.

- Piezoelectric actuator sourcing: justanotheruser sought low-coefficient piezo tubes or disks for precision positioning, lamenting single-unit availability; nmz787_i suggested scavenging inexpensive buzzers but cautioned about reduced precision and dynamic range compared to purpose-built tubes.

- Open-science infrastructure hiccup: archels reported that neuroinf.org and the associated comp-neuro mailing list were down, illustrating ongoing fragility in community communication channels.