# Key Points from IRC Discussion

• Researchers discussed using modified Blu-ray optical heads for laser lithography, sharing techniques to create high-resolution gratings in photoresist with an optimal distance of 2mm between laser head and material, and explored applications including SU-8 with photoinitiators and creating PDMS molds.

• The conversation addressed Craig Venter's "minimal cell" project, raising concerns about patenting fundamental biological technologies while discussing the scientific challenges of creating organisms with minimal genomes that are smaller than natural bacteria but larger than viruses.

• Users questioned why microbolometer-based thermal cameras remain expensive ($2k+), suggesting that military contracting, patents, and complex MEMS fabrication requirements are driving factors behind the high costs.

• A paper on infrared receptors in pyrophilous ("fire loving") insects was discussed as potential models for new un-cooled infrared sensors, noting they function similarly to bolometers and Golay cells, alongside challenges in creating synthetic temperature-sensitive systems.

• Elsevier's acquisition of Mendeley for $69-100 million sparked critical discussion about Elsevier's anti-open-access reputation and concerns about the future of Mendeley's database of approximately 70 million PDFs, highlighting tensions in academic publishing and data ownership.

• The community shared various scientific resources and papers, including work on "Printing colour at the optical diffraction limit" and 3D printing of stable liquids, while also discussing issues of academic paper accessibility and archiving strategies in response to copyright enforcement.