# Key Points from H+ Roadmap IRC Discussions

• Participants debated open source versus commercial hardware approaches, with criticism of Form 1 3D printer for not being open source and significant discussion about MakerBot "destroying their brand" by abandoning open source principles after building their business on RepRap technology.

• Advanced nanotechnology research was shared, including Zyvex's work on molecular manufacturing with diamond-based CAD designs and molecular assembler concepts, demonstrating continued interest in atomically precise manufacturing.

• Biohacking discussions included practical applications like a UV resistance protein simple enough to be coded in a plasmid, and genetic modifications with potential longevity benefits (LRP5, PCSK5, FUT2, and CCR5 genes).

• Brain emulation challenges were discussed, with one participant noting they were simulating neurons at approximately 2 million times slower than real-time, highlighting the significant computational limitations in current neuroscience.

• NASA's SpiderFab project for on-orbit construction of kilometer-scale apertures was shared alongside discussion of evolutionary biology theories, including Chris Phoenix's hypothesis about cellular differentiation enabling the Cambrian Explosion.

• The "Cousteau Paradigm" was proposed as a model for space advocacy, describing how to build government-independent exploration programs through media engagement, technology development, and public outreach.

• Resources for DIY transhumanist communities were shared, including specialized mailing lists for neuroscience, life extension research, and DIY biology projects.