- **Ultra-dense, non-DNA data storage**: Participants explored replacing DNA with carbon- or silicon-based linear polymers (e.g., polyethylene or polysilicon hydrides) that could be packed inside single-digit-micron SWCNT cartridges; each chain would carry an addressable “header” and encode two bits per repeat unit via C12/C14 or Si/C substitutions, then be read by a nano-mechanism that converts selected stretches into RNA, DNA, or peptides.

- **Reading crystalline isotopic data**: A proposed read-out for C12/C14-encoded crystals involves detecting minute bond-length or vibrational shifts caused by the mass difference, possibly with a resonant “slider” whose velocity changes as it interacts with the altered hydrogens.

- **Electrolytic diamond synthesis from polyethylene**: The group speculated that stripping hydrogen atoms electrolytically from polyethylene fibers could convert them into diamond rods, potentially providing rigid elements for nanoscale mechanical computers.

- **DNA-origami mechanical circuits & rod logic**: DNA origami was discussed as a low-cost, bench-top method to fabricate microfluidic barriers and channels for rod-logic computers; concerns were raised about current yield, geometric distortion, and whether 2-D DNA lattices are precise enough for reliable digital operation.

- **NanoNERF and DNA as structural material**: A new DNA-origami “NanoNERF blaster” (bioRxiv 2023.10.02.560388) was cited as evidence that DNA can form arbitrary 3-D shapes; participants suggested fixing such structures with glutaraldehyde and interleaving them between graphene sheets to create ultra-dense, low-temperature rod-logic stacks.

- **Drexler’s revised stance on mechanosynthesis**: It was noted that Eric Drexler’s latest edition of *Engines of Creation* removes sections on direct AFM-based mechanosynthesis and strongly disavows “grey goo” scenarios.

- **Chinese book digitization & LLM training data**: Links to the DuXiu/ChaoXing corpora—described as the largest uncensored Chinese non-fiction collection—were shared, highlighting its exclusive licensing to Chinese tech giants and its potential value for training large language models.

- **LessWrong critiques of mind uploading**: Two LessWrong posts were circulated evaluating Davidad’s “uploading moonshot” and listing eight technical and philosophical reasons for pessimism about achieving high-fidelity whole-brain emulation without destructive scanning.