# Key Points from IRC Discussions on Biohacking and DIY Technology

• Researchers are developing a laser etching system for microfluidics, comparing CO2 lasers (25-30W with ~100 micron spot size) versus laser diodes (300mW) for cutting PDMS, with technical specifications including 0.19 micron step resolution for a 6x6 inch area.

• The group discussed various PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) fabrication techniques, including traditional thermal curing (80°C for 2 hours or 2 days at room temperature) versus photocurable alternatives like Gelest RMS-033 siloxane that could enable digital light projection methods.

• Participants debated biosynthetic versus chemical routes for producing dibromoindigo (Tyrian purple), noting an IGEM team was working on biosynthesis, with some suggesting GMO methods would attract less FBI attention than direct chemical synthesis.

• A study claiming fullerene C60 administration doubled rat lifespan was shared, with participants noting it had been approved as a "Fullerene Water Solution" drink in Ukraine, potentially representing a significant longevity intervention.

• The conversation mapped the commercial DNA synthesis landscape, mentioning companies like Bioautomation, Gen9bio, Biosearch, and Illumina, while expressing frustration at the high cost of DNA synthesizers ($150k) despite them being "just valves and tubes" with expired patents.

• Open science resources were discussed, including the Open Science Framework, PubMed Central's 440k open access documents available as a 1.2TB FTP download, and the Open Knowledge Foundation's annotation tool alternative to hypothes.is.

• The HomeCMOS project was referenced as an attempt to create DIY semiconductor fabrication capabilities, alongside criticism of crowdfunded open hardware projects that allegedly received funding but made limited progress.