# Key Points from IRC Discussion

• Participants discussed PCB routing tools including gEDA and MUCS PCB, weighing the tradeoffs between DIY circuit board etching versus commercial services like Seeedstudio, highlighting ongoing challenges in accessible electronics prototyping.

• A detailed biohacking conversation covered zonulin and larazotide (an 8-mer oral peptide for celiac disease treatment), with kanzure sharing his 2008 DIY synthesis attempt using yeast/yogurt, demonstrating early experimentation in accessible peptide production.

• Technical specifications for ultra-low power haptic feedback devices were compared, with piezoelectric transducers recommended over muscle wire due to superior power efficiency, response time, and displacement characteristics for "sixth sense" applications.

• The group discussed cell handling automation challenges including pressure control, cell adhesion issues, shear forces, and bubble formation, with one user proposing a novel "sling" mechanism for small-volume liquid dispensing despite concerns about material fatigue.

• A cell printer design was explored using repurposed blu-ray head components with PWM microcontrol for positioning, combined with optical microscopes at different angles for 3D vision, demonstrating creative repurposing of consumer technology.

• Participants noted GitHub's significant growth (133% in 2012 to 2.8 million users) while debating centralization concerns versus benefits of improved searchability and user experience in open-source collaboration.

• A community member mentioned setting up a Library Genesis mirror in Oakland, showing the group's interest in preserving and distributing academic knowledge outside traditional channels.