# Key Points from Transhumanist IRC Discussions

• Researchers explored biofuel extraction from algae using electromagnetic disruption techniques, calculating that algae cells contain approximately 50% lipids by volume, yielding about 16 picoliters of oil per cell.

• A DIY Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) design was shared with printable models and a bill of materials, reportedly capable of DNA molecule studies with 600 consecutive reads, alongside discussion of a $10 photodiode strip for AFM construction.

• Participants discussed capillary-based DNA synthesis methods using LED control that could produce 40-mer oligonucleotides in 16 hours, though this was deemed too slow for practical applications requiring longer sequences.

• The group explored controlling protozoa movement using DC electric fields or "electrical potential gradients" as a form of biological micro-manipulation, with references to relevant research papers.

• Brain uploading concepts were debated, including Kurzweil's prosthetics approach of gradually transferring consciousness to non-biological substrates and the philosophical challenges of identity preservation during such transitions.

• Advanced imaging technologies were highlighted, particularly Brainbow imaging which uses fluorescent protein expression to create colorful visualizations of neural connections, alongside discussion of other neural imaging techniques like voltage-sensitive dyes.

• Light-activated gene expression papers were shared, including research on "light-activated antisense agents" and "light-activation of gene function in mammalian cells via ribozymes."