# Key Technical and Conceptual Highlights from #hplusroadmap Discussions

• Researchers explored large-scale spider silk production challenges, comparing methods including transgenic plants (particularly chloroplast transformation for up to 30% total soluble protein), communal spider farming, and bacterial expression systems, with calculations suggesting 20,000 batches in a 55-gallon drum would be needed for one pound of silk.

• A novel protein production platform using pitcher plants was discussed (plantadvanced.com), where genetically modified plants express and excrete proteins into sterile pitchers, simplifying purification compared to traditional methods like affinity purification, size exclusion, and precipitation techniques.

• Participants detailed microfluidic device fabrication techniques, comparing CO2 lasers (100 micron spot size) versus modified Blu-ray diodes (405nm wavelength with ~580nm spot size), calculating that laser cutting could produce chips in 10-20 minutes while PDMS curing times (30 minutes at 85°C to two days at room temperature) represent the primary bottleneck.

• A Max Planck Institute researcher described their web application for uploading genotype/phenotype data across species to enable cloud-based genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using algorithms developed at the institute.

• Several DIY biohacking and technology projects were shared, including magnetic implants, a DNA synthesizer, a UV photopolymer DLP 3D printer with open-source firmware called "Lemon Curry," and a proposed portable CVD reactor for diamond synthesis.

• An augmented reality concept was proposed that would associate vector graphics with GPS coordinates and orientation, allowing users to place virtual content in physical locations viewable through AR devices.

• Research on general intelligence and executive function was discussed, highlighting findings that these cognitive abilities rely on distributed networks in left-lateralized brain regions including frontal and parietal cortex.