# Key Insights from #hplusroadmap IRC Discussions

• Advanced fabrication techniques were extensively discussed, including micro-scale stereolithography, photopolymer chemistry for 3D printing, and LIGA technology with its impressive 100:1 aspect ratio capabilities originally developed for uranium enrichment in Germany.

• A DIY gene gun hack costing approximately €50 (compared to €15,000 for professional versions) was shared, highlighting the channel's focus on democratizing biotechnology tools despite potential regulatory concerns.

• Brain simulation projects received significant attention, including the €1.6 billion European Human Brain Project and the OpenWorm initiative (openworm.org) which aims to create a complete simulation of the C. elegans nematode.

• Participants debated the economics and feasibility of Mars colonization efforts, contrasting Mars One's $6 billion funding goal with SpaceX's approach and discussing the fundamental challenges of establishing self-sufficient extraterrestrial colonies.

• Computer security experts shared extreme hardening measures, including using coreboot to disable System Management Mode code and running exclusively free software except for essential firmware components.

• A concerning academic publication trend was highlighted where over 25% of university licenses allow business partners to delete information from research papers, raising questions about academic freedom and transparency in research.

• Participants shared access to massive scientific resource repositories, including a Russian digital library containing 173,549 books (125GB) and references to collections reaching 12TB in size, facilitated by the channel's paperbot system.