# Key Points from IRC Log (September 22, 2011)

* Foldit players achieved a significant scientific breakthrough by solving a protein structure problem that had stumped researchers for years, as documented in a Nature paper (http://www.cs.washington.edu/homes/zoran/NSMBfoldit-2011.pdf) - marking one of the first instances where online gamers solved a longstanding scientific problem.

* A discussion about DIY bioreactors included a proposed project to increase yield of desired compounds in plant cell cultures by using RNAi to modulate gene expression and applying machine learning to optimize the process.

* A debate emerged about the ethics of open-source hardware for medical liquid handlers, with one participant suggesting that paywalls might serve to filter out potentially harmful applications.

* A question was raised about whether magnetic pulses could be used to separate solids from liquids, with brief discussion of magnetic materials and charge-based separation.

* Project Gado (http://projectgado.org) was shared, though without additional context about its relevance to transhumanist topics.

* A video was shared contrasting technological optimism with anti-technology perspectives, featuring clips from environmentalist Derrick Jensen and space entrepreneur Jeff Greason, highlighting the philosophical divide between these worldviews.