Ok, I believe I have the bug mapped. Have not found one in recent history, so here goes:
Moved research off the HQ base (shoulda moved Production, I know). Transferred the eggheads, all the gear too. Now in my HQ I decided to build a lab again, and staffed it with 10 scientists. It won't let me start the research saying that no space available, build more labs. It starts to look to me that there is one variable for number of lab spaces, and highest wins. I would now need 40 lab spaces in HQ to get 10 useful lab spaces.
PS: another small thing - in a mission I dropped a GL on the ground (to clear the building) and turn or two later it was gone! Can't recall if I vaniched completely or if I got it back after the mission. No biggie, I guess. Cheap human gear!