# Key Ideas from #hplusroadmap IRC Discussion

• Biohacking was debated with competing definitions - some argued true biohacking requires genetic engineering beyond basic experiments, while others considered nootropics, DIY lab equipment, and self-experimentation as legitimate forms of the practice.

• The pharmaceutical development process was discussed, highlighting that while R&D is expensive, human testing and regulatory compliance represent the most significant costs in bringing drugs to market, with debate about the FDA's role in balancing consumer protection against innovation speed.

• Open-source hardware for DIY biology was shared, including a transilluminator enclosure design, demonstrating the community's commitment to accessible biotechnology tools.

• Genome compiler software was criticized for being predominantly proprietary rather than open source, with discussion about whether development focus should be on user interfaces or automated hardware integration pipelines.

• Participants noted the need for comprehensive, codified metabolic pathway maps for organisms like E. coli, referencing KEGG and NCBI databases while highlighting data quality issues where information is missing if not provided by publishers.

• Peter Thiel's CS183 startup class notes were discussed, particularly his perspectives on potential barriers to AI development related to code complexity and the regulatory environment for biotechnology.

• The Barabasi Lab's TEDMED project was shared, representing network science applications in healthcare, alongside the "Cult of Done Manifesto" which promotes action over perfectionism in technical projects.