- Synthetic yeast genome project: six new Science papers (10 Mar 2017 issue) describe the design, synthesis, debugging, and 3-D organization of fully synthetic yeast chromosomes (synII, synVI, X, etc.) and the consolidation of ribosomal DNA into a megabase-scale synthetic chromosome.  
- DIY bio update: nmz787_i expects delivery of biology supplies and plans to electroporate E. coli with a Vibrio phosphoreum lux operon to obtain autonomous, UV-free bioluminescence within a week.  
- Terminology discussion: participants clarified that “operon” is the correct term for naturally clustered, co-transcribed genes such as the lux operon, while “gene cassette” refers to mobile elements flanked by recombination or restriction sites used in both natural and engineered contexts.  
- Combinatorial protein-design software was shared via a YouTube link (video titled “Design of protein switches and sensors”) as a resource for engineering novel protein functions.  
- Speculative astro-engineering: a paper proposing that fast radio bursts (FRBs) could be leakage from extragalactic light-sail propulsion systems was circulated; superkuh critiqued the choice of 1–2 GHz as sub-optimal for such sails.  
- Materials science note: limpet teeth were reported to reach a tensile strength of 5 GPa (≈ 725 ksi), setting a new biological record and suggesting ultra-strong bio-inspired composites.