# Key Points from #hplusroadmap IRC Discussions

• Participants explored microfluidic technology applications, particularly spiral microchannels using Dean flows for membrane-free particle separation, with references to academic papers and Python scripts for generating spiral patterns.

• A substantive debate occurred about "lab-on-a-chip" technology's practical value, contrasting skepticism about its limited applications beyond DNA microarrays against evidence of successful protein expression experiments.

• The discussion compared grid-based droplet manipulation systems to channel-based microfluidics, suggesting the former offers greater flexibility (analogous to FPGAs vs ASICs) for reconfigurable laboratory operations.

• A novel fabrication method was proposed using microfluidics to move and solidify wax droplets or two-part epoxy in parallel, potentially enabling higher-resolution 3D printing than traditional serial methods.

• Participants shared research on bubble dynamics, including bubble motion in curved channels, bubble wakes, movement in capillary tubes, and self-propulsion of asymmetrically vibrating bubbles, with notes on potential applications.

• The group discussed wearable computing hardware alternatives to Steve Mann's approach, recommending Beagleboard and Pandora as more practical platforms for DIY projects.

• Resources were shared for DIY neuroscience, including links to Ed Boyden's OpenStim project for transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), reflecting the channel's interest in open-source approaches to transhumanist technologies.