# Key Points from IRC Log

• Research on aging prefrontal cortex suggests excessive cAMP levels weaken neuronal firing, with guanfacine (a hypertension medication) potentially restoring more youthful firing patterns in elderly neurons.

• Several genetic engineering technologies were discussed, including Human Artificial Chromosome vectors for gene therapy and bacterial artificial chromosome modification techniques for mouse transgenesis.

• A US Court of Appeals ruling upheld Myriad Genetics' patents on genes and gene isolation methods, sparking debate about the impact of gene patents on scientific progress.

• Discussion of DIY biology included a critique of an OSCON 2011 presentation on garage biology, with concerns about the movement's representation and substance.

• The Wright brothers patent war was referenced in a debate about whether patents inherently suppress innovation or provide necessary incentives for disclosure versus trade secrets.

• Korean scientists created glow-in-the-dark transgenic dogs, demonstrating advances in genetic modification techniques.