# Key Points from IRC Discussion

• Ray Kurzweil's Singularity University was announced, with a $25k price tag, though kanzure noted it appears to have CC-licensed content but lacks manufacturing information/research, focusing primarily on nanotech.

• A radio interview with Hugh Reinhoff (mydaughtersdna.com) and Mackenzie Cowell (DIYbio) was discussed, with observations that DIY biologists need better preparation for security questions from media and possibly "mediakits" with prepared responses.

• Technical discussion about DNA detection methods included UV absorption at 260nm wavelength, polarizers versus phase contrast microscopy, and DIY electrophoresis experiments with a plexiglass gelbox.

• Members shared resources for accessing scientific literature, including a getarticles@googlegroups.com service for obtaining paywalled papers.

• Participants discussed photochemical milling and chemical etching for creating precision parts, with links to example images and suggestions about using image-reducing optics to make very tiny parts.

• The group explored DIY manufacturing concepts, with kanzure noting the importance of developing inventory systems and package metadata for open hardware projects.