# Key Points from #hplusroadmap IRC Discussions

• Participants debated open hardware philosophy, with some arguing that embedded systems are becoming more specialized for IoT applications as 32-bit microcontrollers become more affordable, while others emphasized the importance of code reuse and libraries even for single-purpose controllers.

• The group discussed reverse engineering lab equipment, particularly Z80 processor code from Tecan biorobotics boards, with references to practical experience in disassembly demonstrated through projects like the Pokemon Crystal source code.

• Technical discussions covered CAD technologies, specifically the challenges of working with NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines) surfaces with different knot vectors, with recommendations for OpenNURBS and OpenCascade libraries despite their limitations.

• Several open-source projects were highlighted, including netmorph (neuron morphology), python-spectrometers, SKDB (a package system for physical objects), Chaste (for computational biology simulations), and BioBlender/ePMV (for molecular visualization in 3D animation software).

• The conversation addressed the legal and technical aspects of 3D-printed firearms, noting that while DEFCAD.org hosts such files, traditional machining remains more practical than 3D printing for manufacturing functional firearms components.

• Participants lamented the dilution of the term "biohacking," which has shifted from technical biological modifications to primarily referring to nutrition and lifestyle changes.

• A member announced accepting an assistant professorship at Rice University's Bioengineering department to conduct full-time research on 3D printing with sugar, indicating the channel's connection to academic research in biohacking and fabrication technologies.