# Key Points from #hplusroadmap IRC Discussion

• Researchers discussed economically viable solar panels using ion cannon technology that could potentially compete with fossil fuels, alongside vertical LED farming systems for indoor food production.

• Significant biomedical concerns were shared about antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ESBL-Carba) that have developed resistance to last-line carbapenem antibiotics, resulting in high mortality rates in several outbreaks.

• The discovery of extra-chromosomal microDNA sparked discussion about genetic sequencing accuracy, with concerns that blood cell sequencing might yield misleading results compared to other tissue types.

• Resources on low-power ultrasound for brain stimulation were shared, along with information about microfluidics and hydraulic resistance modeling that follows principles similar to electronics.

• A coalition of 100+ organizations called for a moratorium on synthetic biology development, prompting discussion about the lack of scientific expertise among these advocacy groups and the need for pro-synthetic biology advocacy.

• Biomimetic research was highlighted, including studies on "ballistic jaw propulsion" in trap-jaw ants (capable of striking with force 300 times their body weight) and microactuators driven by water surface tension.

• An open science competition with a $10,000 prize pool was announced by Assay Depot and BioCurious for Bay Area students and scientists, though participants noted the relatively low compensation for scientific research work.