# Key Points from IRC Discussions

• The group debated thorium reactors, sharing a UK government report suggesting they may not offer significant advantages over conventional nuclear reactors.

• Participants contrasted the "precautionary principle" with Max More's "proactionary principle," which argues against requiring proof of safety before allowing new technologies to develop.

• A critique emerged of Anders Sandberg's evolution from technical work on computational megastructures and terraforming to becoming a policy-focused "public intellectual" in transhumanism.

• Technical discussions on epigenetics covered DNA methylation's role in gene expression, particularly how it blocks transcription factors and affects chromatin condensation in embryonic stem cells versus induced pluripotent stem cells.

• The conversation included debate about whether targeted DNA demethylation is possible, with references to scientific papers on multiple mechanisms for active DNA demethylation.

• Participants discussed DIY biology equipment, specifically whether building custom liquid handlers for cell manipulation or reprogramming existing equipment would be more practical.

• The group noted how pharmaceutical companies are increasingly outsourcing R&D, with one participant characterizing them as "giant marketing companies with a sideline in lobbying."

• The log mentioned Kim Suozzi's cryopreservation at Alcor and public reactions to her crowdfunding campaign for the procedure.