- The Gerontology Research Group (GRG) mailing list is circulating blood vials for longevity research, and some members are experimenting with giving cats GDF11 to extend feline healthspan.  
- A new eLife paper (https://elifesciences.org/articles/41841) shows that the primary motor cortex in early postnatal development behaves more like sensory cortex, prompting discussion about the origin of infant “motor babbling.”  
- DIYbio newcomer jb55 asks whether an Oxford Nanopore MinION sequencer is a useful learning tool for someone with no prior experience; nmz787 recommends first mastering DNA extraction, culture growth, and purification techniques, and points to the DIYbio FAQ at https://diyhpl.us/wiki/diybio/faq/.  
- Proteus reports wildly uneven read counts (45 k–22 M PE reads) from a $3 k RNA-seq run through ACGT, suspects missing rRNA depletion, and solicits negotiation tactics for a re-run without extra cost.  
- Channel members debate practical baby-proofing: using bitterants vs capsaicin on electrical cords, and whether a “storm-trooper” or Amanita-muscaria-print helmet would provide adequate impact feedback for a toddler.  
- kanzure links a Quillette article (https://quillette.com/2019/01/05/should-we-use-genetic-technology-to-boost-human-intelligence/) on using genetic tech to enhance human intelligence and a PDF titled “The Five Cognitive Distortions of People Who Get Stuff Done” (https://archive.ryankrage77.me/misc/The%20Five%20Cognitive%20Distortions%20of%20People%20Who%20Get%20Stuff%20Done.pdf).