- USB Armory Mk II crowdfunding campaign was shared as a potential open-source secure-element platform; discussion centered on its closed secure-element functionality, the need for one-time programmable secure elements, and the practicality of using disposable $20 “craptop” laptops plus live-boot USB instead to mitigate USB malware and on-path attacks.

- Participants debated asteroid-mining finance: maaku argued that 15–25-year derivatives contracts are preferable to direct equity because they outlive any single company and align incentives for long-horizon ventures, while kanzure questioned whether the timeline is really that long given sufficient capital.

- A non-public proposal for lunar meteorite recovery was noted as significant because the Moon’s 3-day transit time removes the 2–4-year orbital-mechanics delay that hampers iterative asteroid missions.

- fenn critiqued a 50–75-year space land-claim scheme, warning that poorly designed rules would let early “flag-planters” squat on vast resources and lock out small players; he advocated a recurring market-value fee or auction to prevent rent-seeking.

- maaku countered with a 2013 blockchain-based property-tax auction design inspired by Henry George and Silvio Gesell that would fund common space infrastructure while allowing anyone to out-bid claim holders, thus eliminating absolute exclusion rights.

- kanzure floated the idea of funding academic research via tradable options on future intellectual property, possibly combined with assurance contracts, as an alternative to Hanson-style prediction-market funding mechanisms.

- The Odin’s $100 PCR machine flash sale was announced, highlighting continued open-source biohacking hardware availability.

- A biorxiv preprint on non-invasive vagus-nerve stimulation via the ear’s cutaneous nerves was shared, showing increased motivation to work for rewards—linking to earlier DIY tVNS discussions in the channel.