# Key Points from IRC Discussions on Transhumanism and Technology

• DIY transhumanists debated the ethics and safety of different enhancement approaches, criticizing dangerous self-implantation methods (like those featured in Wired) while supporting safer alternatives such as neodymium magnet implants in fingertips that allow sensing electromagnetic fields.

• Participants experimented with non-invasive alternatives to implanted magnets by taping neodymium magnets harvested from electronics to fingertips, confirming they could detect electromagnetic fields from current-carrying wires at close range.

• The Northpaw ankle bracelet was discussed as a practical, non-invasive transhumanist technology that enhances directional awareness through vibration patterns, with applications including navigation while blindfolded.

• One user described plans to use Adeno-associated virus (AAV) as a gene therapy vector for self-experimentation, noting its advantages including targeted DNA implantation on chromosome 19 with minimal immune response or cancer risk.

• The conversation explored biological approaches to magnetic sensing, referencing cryptochrome proteins that enable birds to detect magnetic fields as potentially more elegant than mechanical implants.

• Focus Fusion technology was extensively discussed, including its current development status (producing 1/12 joule of fusion energy), technical challenges in scaling to commercial viability, and the differences between D-D fusion and pB11 fusion approaches.

• Participants shared detailed technical information about energy storage requirements for fusion experiments, calculating the need for approximately 100,000 joules and discussing alternatives like compensated pulse alternators ("compulsators").