# Key Points from IRC Discussions on Transhumanism and Biohacking

• A significant discussion centered on genetic engineering ethics, contrasting the elimination of harmful mutations with preserving human identity, sparked by an article about a rare N-Glycanase gene mutation (http://matt.might.net/articles/my-sons-killer/).

• One participant reported substantial cognitive and mood benefits from a nootropic regimen combining noopept (30mg/day) and Cognizin (citicoline), noting marked deterioration when discontinuing use.

• Participants identified the need for a comprehensive digital DNA parts repository to mirror and preserve genetic data from sources like NCBI and iGEM, particularly as insurance against potential future censorship of DNA sequences.

• The OpenWorm project was highlighted, featuring a simulation engine using websockets to stream simulations of 302 Hodgkin-Huxley neurons running on GPU to multiple clients.

• Technical discussions compared database options for biological repositories, concluding PostgreSQL is superior to SQLite for production environments due to better handling of column alterations and multiple simultaneous connections.

• Open-source bioinformatics tools were shared, including Gibthon Construct Designer for Gibson Assembly primers and BioBrick-A-Bot, a LEGO-based modular liquid handling system as an alternative to commercial systems.

• The conversation explored transhumanist concepts including whether genetic engineering could create instincts making learning feel as pleasurable as sex, and the evolutionary value of negative emotions like regret for personal growth.