# Key Points from #hplusroadmap IRC Discussions

• Participants explored DIY atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques, including innovative proposals such as using capacitance instead of laser+photodiode methods for cantilever deflection detection, and a theoretical fluid-based AFM using dyed fluid in nanochannels.

• The group discussed bacterial bioengineering applications, particularly Bacillus pasteurii's ability to transform sand into sandstone, with speculation about using laser-activated bacteria for creating structures in desert environments from orbit.

• Algae biofuel production was critically analyzed, with emphasis on harvesting and cell lysis being the true bottlenecks rather than growth; various lysis methods were discussed including pressure-based techniques, fluid shear force, and osmotic pressure chambers.

• Participants shared technical resources including SFEpy (Simple Finite Elements for Python), computational tools like Octave, NumPy, and SymPy for mathematical modeling, and a presentation on algal biomass extraction methodologies.

• The conversation touched on cognitive enhancement, with kanzure sharing notes on brain mechanisms responsible for intuition and insight, mentioning d-cycloserine as a chemical potentially capable of enhancing these cognitive processes.

• The group debunked pseudoscientific claims of products like Q-Link, with participants sharing evidence that the device's circuit "isn't actually even a circuit," demonstrating the community's commitment to scientific rigor.

• Discussions revealed ongoing community efforts to develop open-source biotechnology methods and organize maker/hacker spaces to connect people from different technical backgrounds for collaborative projects.