- Discussion of holographic optical elements (HOEs) in consumer electronics: fltrz notes that diffraction gratings defined by interference are common in DVD/Blu-ray drives where wavelength is tightly controlled, but questions their suitability for smartphone cameras that must handle broad-spectrum real-world light and lower diffraction efficiency compared to antireflection-coated lenses.

- BioTime corporate restructuring: kanzure reports that BioTime has spun out AgeX Therapeutics, assigning it LifeMap Sciences, Ascendance Biotechnology, and ReCyte Therapeutics, with Geron co-founder Michael D. West becoming AgeX CEO; Aubrey de Grey is said to be collaborating with West.

- Open-source CAD revival: schindler_ announces a Google Summer of Code project to re-activate Python-BRLCAD, asking nmz787 for documentation on code flow and how to add new geometric primitives; nmz787 agrees to write a README and instructions.

- Synthetic-biology tool updates: kanzure links to the “Genome Project-write” initiative aiming to virus-proof human cells, a biorxiv preprint on directed evolution of E. coli with ultra-low plasmid mutation rates, and a Berkeley LBL literature-search engine for protein homologs.

- DIY biology speculation: emeraldgreen flags a PBS NOVA article on clinical RNAi therapeutics as a potential “killer app” driving demand for low-cost, open-source oligonucleotide synthesizers.