Implement Shaders Perhaps? We have Open GL Support now so...
Shaders would allow for a removal of many decoration or effects only particles to reduce lag on checking for collisions on the effect particles for various elements or for improved glow effects
Mainly what we are doing is adding some realism to a lot of the elements. For instance, mercury reacts to some noble gases to make florescent light. I have already experimented with things like that in my mod. So me4502, me, TheWiseEyes, and vanquish349 forces to make a powder simulation that will have a lot more realism and effects. Progress is going to be slow at first, but it will soon be up and running full swing.