A profile of several bio-hackers, who are part of a movement called DIYbio, short for do-it-yourself biology, which got its official start in 2008 with DIYBio.org, an online hub for sharing ideas.

The open-source movement may be spreading to biotechnology. Researchers from Australia will report in a scientific journal today that they have devised a method of creating genetically modified crops that does not infringe on patents held by big biotechnology companies.

An ambitious new project is attempting to develop remote sensing software based upon the open source development model. Over 200 programmers have signed on to assist in the project that would offer a free version of the powrful and expensive imaging software that is out of reach for many organizations.

An intriguing proposal for using open-source techniques in nanotechnology research. The open-source approach has been successful in creating complex, reliable software because it encourages information-sharing and open-access. Bruns believes that it would have the same impact on Nanotechnology and might be necessary to ensure safety.