# Key Points from IRC Conversation

• A community discussion about Aaron Schwartz's work revealed he scraped approximately 900,000 public domain books from Google Books (now available on archive.org), while Senator Cornyn (R-TX) sent a letter to the Attorney General regarding Schwartz's case.

• Participants explored alternative methods of accessing academic research, discussing FOIA limitations and discovering that while JoVE (Journal of Visualized Experiments) videos are paywalled, the actual video files could sometimes be accessed directly.

• Several laboratory resources were shared, including Benchfly.com for lab techniques and specific JoVE protocols for genetic manipulation of mouse neurons and lentiviral vector production.

• Researchers emphasized the critical importance of contamination control when working with DNA, RNA, and small molecules in laboratory settings, noting that "even minor contamination throws off everything."

• An East Bay DIYBio group was formed, meeting at sudoroom.org in Oakland, reflecting the broader DIY biology movement that one participant tracked across 45 different community groups worldwide.

• A substantive debate emerged on the value of formal college education versus self-directed learning, weighing structured environments and access to resources against high costs and potential negative psychological impacts.