# Key Points from Transhumanist and Biohacking IRC Discussions

• Molecular programming has advanced to the point where programmable self-assembling molecular systems can be designed and synthesized using relatively simple laboratory techniques, representing progress in synthetic biology.

• Concerns were raised about institutional research ethics, specifically regarding Craig Venter's management at JCVI, where employees reportedly received minimal notice of layoffs and learned about facility closures through press releases rather than internal communications.

• A substantive debate occurred about DIY biology's feasibility, with disagreement about whether non-institutional individuals can conduct meaningful scientific research, and suggestions that engineering applications might be more practical than basic research for independent biohackers.

• Participants discussed the economics of research, with claims that meaningful novel biology research requires at least $5,000/month in reagents, though others countered that valuable work is being done by individuals and small labs with more limited funding.

• Alternative antibody production methods were explored, including a "Fab version" that might be easier to produce than full antibodies, with potential applications beyond macular degeneration treatment to possibly include cancer therapies.

• A proposal was shared for creating an anonymous black market for scientific materials through Tor, operating as a marketplace that would take a percentage of transactions to facilitate access to cheaper research materials.

• Participants discussed innovative energy solutions, including a residential-scale cold storage system that would use excess solar energy to freeze slush during the day for cooling at night, potentially adding value to residential photovoltaic systems.