- OpenRouter.ai was shared as a single API gateway that lets users call dozens of large-language-model providers (OpenAI, Anthropic, open-source models, etc.) with one key, simplifying access for experimental projects.  
- The GitHub repository “plascad” (https://github.com/David-OConnor/plascad) was introduced; it is an open-source CAD tool aimed at designing microfluidic/plastic labware, enabling rapid prototyping of biotech hardware.  
- Discussion centered on “salt compensation” code—software that adjusts reaction stoichiometry for ionic strength—suggesting it could be enhanced with AI/ML models trained on real GC/MS or LC-MS spectra of reagents rather than assuming idealized 18 MΩ water and nominal molarities.  
- The conversation highlighted a broader theme of closing the loop between digital design tools and empirical analytical-chemistry data to improve reproducibility in open-source biology.