# Key Points from #hplusroadmap IRC Discussions

• Participants discussed microfluidics technology for DNA synthesis, sharing research on rapid prototyping of glass-based microfluidic chips using CO2 laser methods, though noting equipment limitations for practical implementation.

• The group examined thorium-based molten salt reactors and nuclear energy challenges, debating whether economic constraints would prevent deployment at the necessary scale despite technical feasibility.

• Members shared concerns about global resource limitations, referencing the "Limits of Growth" model predicting potential peak resources around 2030-2040, and discussing how declining Energy Return on Energy Invested (EROEI) is already affecting economies.

• Cognitive enhancement was extensively discussed, including comparisons between modafinil (racemic mixture) and armodafinil (purified version), along with various nootropics and their efficacy in academic settings.

• The conversation covered psychedelic research applications, noting Johns Hopkins University studies on smoking cessation and ongoing psilocybin experiments at NYU, with interest in neural reprogramming studies.

• Participants shared information about nanoengineer software being revived on GitHub, highlighting potential for creating standardized molecular machine parts packages.

• The group discussed Chinese manufacturing and maker culture, sharing links to Shenzhen manufacturers, Chinese DIY communities (szdiy.org), and electronics forums, with debate about the value of learning Chinese for technology access.