# Key Points from IRC Conversation

• Researchers discussed light-gated ion channels for neural control, specifically how azobenzene changes shape when struck by light to open ion channels by stuffing glutamate into binding sites, as detailed in papers about optical control of neural activity.

• A conversation about photosensors explored their potential use in manufacturing biological systems, with interest in creating photosensors that could be grown and used to pump hydrogen ions out of cells.

• Quantum entanglement in photosynthetic light harvesting complexes was mentioned with a reference to a paper (http://arxiv.org/abs/0905.3787), indicating interest in quantum biology.

• Participants discussed the theoretical limits of extremophile bacteria, debating whether organisms could survive in magma (700-1300°C) when the current highest temperature for known life is 122°C, and speculated about evolving heat-resistant strains.

• Japanese researchers successfully engineered fluorescent marmosets with jellyfish genes that glow green under blue and ultraviolet light, with the notable achievement that these traits were passed to offspring - the first such success in primates.

• The group discussed SKDB (a hardware representation system) development timeline, with the goal of creating results before 2010, partly motivated by concerns about potential economic instability and the desire to build self-sufficient manufacturing capabilities.

• There was debate about terminology in DIY biology, with some advocating for "amateur biologists" instead of "biohackers" for public relations purposes, while others rejected this approach as unnecessary.