• nmz787_ shared an ambitious Gantt chart for a DIY DNA-synthesizer project (http://diyhpl.us/~nmz787/hidden/plan.png) that compresses spin-coating, lithography, valve integration, and testing into a few months; kanzure and TMA warn that even single-step optimization can consume >1 year in academic settings and suggest multiplying raw estimates by ≥2.

• Discussion of project-estimation heuristics: TMA proposes “good estimate = k × raw estimate (k ≥ 2)” or “raw estimate + one step-up unit” (1 h → 2 days, 1 day → 2 weeks, etc.), while pasky questions whether holidays and conferences are accounted for.

• IEEE Spectrum article on “Self-Healing Transistors for Chip-Scale Starships” (http://spectrum.ieee.org/semiconductors/devices/selfhealing-transistors-for-chipscale-starships) was circulated, prompting debate on whether gigawatt-scale beamed power to a solar sail could simultaneously generate a protective magnetosphere.

• fenn and superkuh reference a recent paper about creating an artificial magnetosphere to shield Mars from solar wind; superkuh expresses shifting confidence and links to the experimental “Mini-Magnetosphere Plasma Propulsion” (M2P2) model PDF (http://www.minimagnetosphere.rl.ac.uk/downloads/pdfs/11Luis%20De%20Silva%20physical%20model%20M2P2.pdf).

• Space-stackexchange calculation (https://space.stackexchange.com/questions/3772/how-much-power-would-a-spacecrafts-magnetic-shield-require) estimating ~500 kW for a practical magnetic shield was highlighted, with fenn arguing that water columns remain a simpler radiation shield for habitats.

• kanzure posted multiple fresh research links:  
  – “Improving nanopore reads raw signal alignment” (arXiv 1705.01620)  
  – Broad Institute Genome Engineering Workshop webcast registration (http://workshop.genome-engineering.org/)  
  – Review “Deep neural networks in computational neuroscience” (bioRxiv 133504)  
  – Slate article on regulatory ambiguity in DIY synthetic biology (http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/future_tense/2017/05/the_fuzzy_regulations_surrounding_diy_synthetic_biology.html)  
  – Nature Methods paper on T-cell differentiation from HSCs using Delta-like-4 and VCAM-1 for thymus organoid work (https://www.nature.com/nmeth/journal/v14/n5/full/nmeth.4258.html)  
  – Survey of 16 Cpf1 orthologs for genome editing (bioRxiv 134015).

• justanotheruser asked for sources of high-precision 3-D-printed parts; fenn recommends Shapeways’ “high-definition acrylate” DLP resin (±0.2 mm over 100 mm, 50 µm Z layers) and wax-jet materials for smooth finishes.