- A new microfluidic co-electrolysis reactor is reported that simultaneously electrolyzes seawater and CO₂ at 2.5–3.5 V to synthesize specialty organic compounds, raising questions about copper-anode durability under those potentials (Nature Scientific Reports 2023, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-34456-6).

- Participants explored DIY production of aerographite (ultra-light glassy-carbon foam), concluding that temperatures for ZnO-template synthesis (900–1200 °C) are within reach of microwave kilns or butane/oxygen torches, and bulk zinc feedstock can be purchased for ~$3 lb⁻¹.

- A practical flame-synthesis route for ZnO tetrapod templates was highlighted: combusting commercial Zn powder in a methane/air flame, followed by ethanol-dispersion centrifugation to size-select the tetrapods; scalability concerns prompted brainstorming of air-jet or photonic separation alternatives.

- Allen Institute and Chan Zuckerberg Initiative announced a $70 M commitment to establish a new synthetic-biology center at the University of Washington (https://www.genomeweb.com/research-funding/allen-institute-chan-zuckerberg-initiative-commit-70m-toward-new-uw-synbio-center).

- Circadian-rhythm discussion centered on the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), its retinal light input, and the role of gated ion channels; prior NIMH work with Macaca mulatta CSF bioamines and Neurospora crassa molecular feedback loops was cited (PMC3203324).

- Light-therapy parameters for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) were estimated: >50 000 lumens of full-spectrum light for several hours daily to entrain the SCN, prompting questions about how much overcast winter daylight is equivalent.