- Katylase shared a hand-drawn biological diagram (https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1064664282450628710/1375074940554051634/IMG_3224.jpg) illustrating voltage-gating mechanisms; it was created on an iPad with the vector-graphics app Amadine, prompting discussion about reusable biology-graphics libraries and the subscription-based BioRender platform.

- nmz787 posted three emerging multi-project-wafer (MPW) services for open-source SkyWater 130 nm silicon: SkyWater’s own aggregator ($10 k for 40 bare die), ChipFoundry ($15 k for 100 bare die or QFN parts, 10 of which can be mounted on M.2 cards), and the still-in-planning Wafer.Space ($6–8 k for 500–1 000 dies).

- nmz787 is converting a post-frame farm building into a DIY bio-lab with goals of on-site DNA synthesis, cellular transformation, and low-cost phenotype screening via photospectrometry; current construction tasks include hanging fire-rated drywall, sealing the concrete floor with conductive epoxy, and building a positive-pressure HEPA-filtered microscope room.

- fleeky outlined an alternative lab-in-a-40-ft-shipping-container design: 8-inch rock-wool exterior insulation, 10 kW rooftop solar, leanto roof, and interior surfaces chosen for easy disinfection, while L29Ah advocated for XPS or white-painted OSB for simpler, closed-cell insulation and structural use.

- Construction details debated included balancing fire safety (drywall vs. combustible OSB), moisture management in closed-cell insulation systems, and the trade-offs between sweat equity and hiring contractors for tasks like mouse-proofing with steel wool/hardware cloth and soundproofing caulk to reduce dust infiltration.