# Key Points from IRC Log

• A discussion about applying GPL licensing to DNA and proteins occurred, with one user arguing they should be treated as software, while others pointed out legal challenges and questioned the feasibility of this approach compared to existing open hardware packaging systems.

• The conversation touched on patent issues in biotechnology, with debate about whether an open source approach to biological materials could circumvent or work alongside patent restrictions.

• A user shared that Duke University has established the Center for Public Genomics (CPG), potentially addressing some of the open source DNA licensing questions discussed.

• A paper on computational tomographic reconstruction of worm hole networks in farm soils was mentioned, showing interest in advanced imaging techniques for biological systems.

• A significant paper "Distilling Free-Form Natural Laws from Experimental Data" was shared (http://adl.serveftp.org/papers/distilling_laws.pdf), discussing symbolic regression for automatically deriving mathematical laws from data, with potential applications to mechanical design.

• Several genes related to human brain size were mentioned: MCPH1, ASPM, CDK5RAP2, and CENPJ, indicating interest in the genetic basis of human cognitive evolution.

• The conversation referenced "The Robot Scientist" paper, suggesting interest in automated scientific discovery systems.

• A user noted that the Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence (SIAI) was providing funding to OpenCog, apparently viewed negatively by some participants.