# Key Points from IRC Log

• DIYBio community members discussed federal regulations for genetic engineering, with emphasis on biosafety level requirements and waste disposal regulations, referencing FBI-DIYBio meeting transcripts (http://diyhpl.us/wiki/transcripts/fbi-diybio-2012/) that document engagement between law enforcement and independent researchers.

• Research was shared showing that Celera's intellectual property claims on human genome sequences reduced subsequent scientific research by 20-30% for genes under their patents, highlighting the negative impact of restrictive IP on scientific progress.

• Evidence was presented linking neonicotinoid pesticides (particularly clothianidin and thiamethoxam) to colony collapse disorder in bees, referencing a Science paper demonstrating these chemicals reduce bumble bee colony growth and queen production.

• The "Sensomatic" project was discussed as an initiative to create low-cost, simple tools that eliminate setup difficulties in microbiology projects, particularly for culturing applications.

• LA Biohackers' "Nitrogenase Directed Evolution" project (http://wiki.biohackers.la/Nitrogenase_Directed_Evolution) was shared, demonstrating collaboration between biohacking communities on advanced genetic engineering projects.

• Participants critically evaluated science crowdfunding platforms like Microryza, questioning business models and exit strategies in comparison to other platforms like Science Exchange.

• The community discussed a controversial crowdfunding project proposing to use chemotherapy drugs to prevent transmission of BRCA mutations, with members expressing skepticism about this approach compared to pre-implantation genetic diagnosis.