# Key Points from #hplusroadmap IRC Discussion

• The channel originated as a space for transhumanist technical roadmapping with a focus on DIY biohacking, though participants noted the FBI has consulted with biohackers on policy issues, specifically mentioning interactions with agents from the FBI's bioterrorism task force.

• Kanzure preserved the open-source nanotechnology design tool Nanoengineer by acquiring and maintaining its CVS repository (http://diyhpl.us/cgit/nanoengineer) after the company Nanorex closed.

• Members shared practical resources for biology-related programming, including BioPerl, BioPython, and a CPAN module for lab automation, while one participant (delinquentme) showcased their liquid handling robot project and mentioned an open-source robotic surgery initiative.

• Synthetic biology was identified as a prominent research area, with Drew Endy and Craig Venter highlighted as key figures, alongside discussion of a nanotechnology development featuring "gold nano-ears" designed to listen to cells.

• The community expressed concern about access to scientific knowledge, discussing an article about publicly funded research being placed behind paywalls, and sharing tools like "total-impact.org" that track the impact of research outputs.