# Key Points from H+ IRC Discussions

• Citizen science was highlighted as crucial for democratizing scientific knowledge, maintaining accountability of professional scientists, and preserving scientific literacy against potential anti-intellectual movements.

• Participants expressed concern about increasing regulation of scientific tools and knowledge, drawing parallels to restricted chemistry sets and closed Apple platforms, emphasizing the need to defend open access to technology.

• A DIY biology project involving genetically modified bacteria to produce THC as an anti-malarial and environmentally friendly insecticide demonstrated practical applications of citizen science.

• Several open hardware and technology projects were shared, including RepRap (3D printing), NetFPGA, Milkymist (FPGA for graphics), Python-on-a-chip, and SKDB (a database for open hardware).

• The community discussed non-invasive brain stimulation technologies, referencing a paper on "Transcranial Pulsed Ultrasound Stimulates Intact Brain Circuits" and Ed Boyden's work on optogenetics.

• Concerns were raised about the commercialization of DIY biology tools, specifically the BioCurious lab's $200/month membership and the LavaAmp thermocycler costing $800 despite being originally conceived as a $10 device.

• Participants noted the need for better documentation and archiving of H+ conferences to increase their reach and impact compared to organizations like TED.