# Key Points from ##hplusroadmap IRC Discussion (Nov 11, 2012)

• Participants discussed the pharmacological compatibility of combining nootropics with bupropion (an antidepressant), noting its mechanism of action on norepinephrine/dopamine reuptake is similar to amphetamines, which are commonly used alongside nootropics.

• A significant technical discussion explored using trehalose expression in human cells via engineered adenovirus for cryonics applications, with participants sharing research papers and questioning why this promising approach hasn't been more widely adopted in cryonics.

• The channel debated whether regulatory costs or liability insurance represents the primary barrier to healthcare innovation and gene therapy advancement, highlighting tensions between safety, innovation, and economic factors in medical development.

• A detailed technical exchange occurred regarding micromanufacturing equipment and techniques, covering MEMS technology, spin coating, photolithography, focused ion beam (FIB) technology, and bulk ion etching, prompted by a participant seeking advice on building a lab with newly acquired funds.

• Participants discussed the limitations of Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) for micromanufacturing, noting minimum feature sizes around 20 microns and characterizing it as a secretive "black art" compared to other manufacturing fields.

• Advanced precision manufacturing techniques were analyzed, including piezo-driven X-Y tables, diamond turning lathes, lithography, and sub-nanometer precision lapping, with emphasis on the physical limitations where crystal structures and tool edges become constraining factors.

• The potential for creating custom CMOS devices integrated with MEMS on a single chip was explored, specifically for applications like multi-electrode arrays for nerve bundles with integrated circuits, pointing toward emerging biohacking possibilities.