# Key Technical Discussions from #hplusroadmap

• Participants explored low-cost DNA synthesis methods, including a traditional "syringe method" for stepwise chemical synthesis of oligonucleotides, with debate about whether specialized equipment like anoxic chambers was necessary for DIY approaches.

• The group discussed repurposing LCD screens for DNA synthesis applications, with specific technical requirements identified: 18.5mm × 13.9mm screen size, 18μm × 18μm pixel size, and 1028 × 772 pixel resolution, with suggestions to source components from broken projectors.

• Several papers on automated design synthesis were shared, including Campbell's thesis on mechanical design representation and the A-Design methodology, demonstrating interest in computational approaches to engineering problems.

• Participants explored expressing recombinant proteins in plant roots using hydroponic tobacco systems as a potentially simpler alternative to traditional protein expression methods that require extensive purification steps.

• The conversation covered genetic transformation techniques for plants, including using pollen as a vector for tobacco plants and Agrobacterium-based methods, with links to relevant protocols.

• Myostatin inhibition was discussed as a potential biohacking target, with specific information about expressing residues 42-115 of myostatin to inhibit the protein itself, and mention of GASP-1 as another inhibitory protein with potential applications in muscle development.

• The group shared resources on structural optimization software (FreeFem++), EMC software for robotic kinematics, and papers on generating induced pluripotent stem cells using recombinant proteins, reflecting the diverse technical interests of the community.