# Key Points from IRC Discussion

• Participants discussed the potential of cloud computing for maker projects, specifically suggesting Amazon EC2 for RepRap rendering and genome analysis, with later mention that a 35x coverage human genome can be analyzed in just 3 hours for approximately $100 using tools like Crossbow and Bowtie.

• The group critically examined Venter's synthetic biology breakthrough, noting media sensationalism around "creating life" when it was actually an incremental advance in DNA sequencing technology, alongside discussion of genome watermarking standards being developed to track synthetic DNA.

• Members explored the complexity of DNA as a programming system, highlighting that beyond the central dogma (DNA → mRNA → protein), there are complex interactions like mRNA → DNA and protein → DNA that make abstraction difficult, with synthetic biology attempting to address this through frameworks like BioBricks.

• The community shared practical maker projects, including custom-made idler pulleys for mini Mendel RepRap 3D printers and microscope images of computer chips showing gold bonded wires, which led to discussions about e-waste gold extraction.

• Participants proposed developing an open-source next-generation sequencing machine based on Polonator protocols that could be largely fabricated using 3D printers, while acknowledging the significant engineering challenges involved.

• The conversation included philosophical reflections on humanity's future, with concerns about anti-progress attitudes in society and speculation about whether humans might eventually be supplanted by more efficient biological or machine intelligence.