# Summary of IRC Conversation on September 9, 2012

• A discussion about DIY biology projects included a reference to optical tweezers, which use highly focused laser beams to physically manipulate microscopic objects, with a link to a Wikipedia article explaining how they work with piconewton forces.

• A serious MySQL security vulnerability was discussed that allowed root access without a password on certain systems, with the observation that Debian systems were not affected while Ubuntu and other distributions were vulnerable.

• A user shared a link to a photopolymer 3D printer demonstration video, showing interest in additive manufacturing technologies.

• There was a technical discussion about stepper motor drivers for 3D printers, specifically comparing the A4984, A4983, and A4988 chips, with the A4988 being identified as superior due to its overcurrent protection features.

• A philosophical discussion occurred about the relationship between biology and computer science, with the observation that "biology is just like programming" is often overhyped, and that "cells are worse at taking inspiration than a tired mule."

• Users discussed website development tools and cloud storage options, with recommendations to use Ruby on Rails instead of XOOPS (described as "very bad"), and suggestions for Dropbox and Google Drive for personal data storage.