# Key Points from IRC Log (August 29, 2011)

• A discussion of eye surgery enhancements included a link to an article about people having procedures to see better in the dark, with speculation that special forces members may have undergone similar modifications.

• The NSF announced funding for a new Engineering Research Center focused on developing mind-machine interfaces, shared via a link to their official announcement.

• Several technology innovations were shared, including Looxcie (wearable camera technology) and MIT research on "beyond the screen" interfaces that could create new ways to interact with digital information.

• A debate about cryonics occurred, with some participants expressing skepticism about its viability, highlighting divisions within the transhumanist community about life extension approaches.

• A historical video from 1976 was shared showing the Cambridge City Council's hearings on recombinant DNA research, documenting early public policy discussions around genetic engineering.

• A link was shared to an article listing 21 scientific research projects starting that fall (2011) that could potentially change the world, demonstrating the channel's focus on tracking emerging technologies.

• A patent arms race discussion was linked via an IEEE Spectrum podcast featuring Intellectual Ventures, touching on intellectual property issues in innovation.