# Key Technical and Conceptual Points from #hplusroadmap IRC

• Participants discussed protein purification techniques for DIY biology applications, exploring chromatography methods, protein skimmers, and unconventional approaches like using wax beads as chromatography packing material for protein separation.

• RGS-14, a compound with potential visual memory enhancement properties, was analyzed for DIY synthesis feasibility, with the conclusion that its complex structure (featuring 14 stereocenters) makes home synthesis impractical.

• The SKDB project (hosted at adl.serveftp.org/skdb/) was highlighted as a database of manufacturing processes focused on mechanical engineering, with plans to expand to biological and chemical processes to support self-replication technologies.

• DIY PCR (polymerase chain reaction) challenges were discussed, particularly the difficulties of purifying Taq polymerase at home, with references to papers on low-cost PCR implementation approaches.

• Knowledge management tools and approaches were compared, with Emacs org-mode receiving praise for research organization, alongside discussion of a "git-wiki" project for collaborative knowledge management and "autoscholar" software for academic paper processing.

• GATBIMOS, a shared todo list system from around 2006, was mentioned as an early attempt to create collaborative task management that would prevent duplication of work across users with similar goals.