# Summary of IRC Log from July 21, 2015

• A discussion about acoustic triangulation via accelerometers on upper stage rockets was mentioned, with a link to a SpaceX CRS-7 failure investigation teleconference on Reddit.

• Users discussed O'Reilly's BioCoder publication, with criticism that it contains "loads of hype, very little substance" and comparing it negatively to other O'Reilly publications like Make Magazine.

• Several microfluidics technologies were shared, including optoelectronic techniques for moving cells with lasers, UV-switchable microvalves, and "optopneumatic pistons" in PDMS, with links to relevant research papers.

• A novel approach for group blood testing for syphilis was shared, potentially offering a more efficient screening method.

• Users discussed various methods for DNA synthesis and assembly, including the use of magnetic beads as solid supports, with consideration of different approaches to washing steps during oligonucleotide synthesis.

• A paper was shared about "Lasing within Live Cells Containing Intracellular Optical Microresonators for Barcode-Type Cell Tagging and Tracking," suggesting novel approaches to cell tracking.

• The conversation included a humorous tangent about using ping pong balls, golf balls, or bowling balls as potential large-scale models for microfluidic systems, with calculations of their volumes and storage requirements.