# Summary of #hplusroadmap IRC Discussion

- A paper on "Kidney-Targeted Naked DNA Transfer by Retrograde Renal Vein Injection in Rats" was shared, demonstrating interest in targeted gene delivery techniques.

- Research on a "synthetic glyoxylate shunt" was discussed, referred to as the "breathing out fat" article, which relates to novel metabolic engineering approaches for obesity resistance.

- QuantumG outlined requirements for effective direct neural interfaces (DNI), emphasizing the need to: invoke mental imagery without interfering with normal vision, infer mental imagery manipulation, and improve bandwidth beyond current input devices.

- Discussion of DIY biology included details about building a low-cost PCR thermal cycler (around $10) using TI chips and a metal canister, with notes about the need for proper cooling rates to prevent non-specific binding.

- Alternative living arrangements were explored, including living on hovercrafts as potential tax havens or mobile laboratories, with considerations about property taxes and financial independence.

- Self-tracking and mood monitoring were discussed as methods to understand personal well-being patterns, with suggestions ranging from journaling to using EEG for monitoring brain states.