# Key Points from IRC Log

• Researchers discussed DNA synthesis techniques, including a paper on "Recursive construction of perfect DNA molecules from imperfect oligonucleotides" and analysis of error rates in conventional oligonucleotide synthesis, noting that phosphoramidite synthesis has failure rates of 0.5% or less per coupling event.

• A detailed discussion of the origin of impurities in oligonucleotide synthesis was documented, with references to specific papers and causes of errors like incomplete capping or de-tritylation, with information compiled at http://heybryan.org/mediawiki/index.php/DNA_synthesizer.

• Participants explored microfluidics applications, including cell lysis on microfluidic CDs and DIY approaches using Sharpie markers and scotch tape dispensers to create microchannels.

• Algae cultivation was discussed, with consensus that growing algae in large volumes of water is inefficient compared to flat-bed approaches with thin water layers and large surface areas, though harvesting remains a significant challenge.

• Head-mounted display technologies were evaluated for wearable computing applications, with discussion of various display options (OLED microdisplays, LCD screens, electronic viewfinders) and their resolution, size, and weight constraints.

• Tools for academic research were shared, including Google Scholar automation scripts, RSS feeds, and tools like AutoScholar for automatically retrieving papers.