- DropSynth, a DNA-assembly method that uses barcode-bearing microbeads to pull down and hierarchically assemble oligos, was praised as “obvious in hindsight”; participants debated how long a sequence (1 kbp demonstrated, chromosome-scale hypothesized) can be anchored to a bead before mechanical failure.  
- A Vimeo demo (https://vimeo.com/249559350) and requests for a clearer diagram were shared to help newcomers grasp the “pull-down” precipitation step.  
- Rapid-PCR brainstorming covered microwave heating, glass-capillary tubes for high surface-area heat transfer, and the challenge of sub-minute cooling; Idaho’s 1 mm glass-tube design with light-bulb heater and fan was highlighted for its speed.  
- Discussion of >1 L PCR volumes led to ideas of thin, gold- or polymer-lined copper tubing and figure-8 loops around heat-transfer cylinders to avoid DNA-damaging metals.  
- Links to low-cost PCR approaches (2007 paper), open-source electroporation (https://blog.kitmatic.com/2017/06/28/electroporation-is-now-quick-high-yield-and-commodity-priced/), and the “culture_shock” GitHub repo were circulated.  
- Reverse-engineering of an ABI 391 DNA-synthesis cartridge began: participants examined photos, pinouts, and EPROM contents; a TL866 programmer was recommended to dump the firmware.  
- Inkjet microfluidics were explored for variable-volume droplet generation, with caveats that vendors prioritize ink profits over open deposition hardware.  
- Longevity resources shared included Laura Deming’s Longevity FAQ, Fight Aging’s senolytic self-experiment guide, and Hacker News commentary on longevity-focused venture funds.