# Key Points from IRC Discussion

• Researchers discussed GitHub as an effective collaboration platform for software, hardware, and lab protocols, though not suitable for .docx files, highlighting the infrastructure supporting open-source transhumanist research.

• Significant nematode simulation resources were shared, including David Dalrymple's work at nemaload.davidad.org, the OpenWorm project, and a database containing 10,000 hours of C. elegans behavior videos at wormbehavior.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk.

• A participant described work on low-cost microfluidic liquid handlers that could be fabricated on chip-scale for mass reproducibility, aiming for a $500 price point, alongside efforts to develop 3D printable components and fluid stepper motors.

• The group discussed antibody functionalization on substrates and methods for detaching analytes from binding sites, including cleaving, elution, and washing with acid/high salt solutions, while noting concerns about electricity potentially denaturing proteins.

• A novel concept for type 1 diabetes treatment was proposed involving implantable microfluidic wells with "molecular caps" that could release insulin in response to blood glucose levels, though challenges of miniaturization and biocompatibility were acknowledged.

• Multiple detection technologies were evaluated for biomarker sensing, including microcantilevers, surface plasmon resonance, and microfluidic setups, with discussion of the challenges in developing implantable versions due to issues with membrane pore size, body encapsulation, and the current large size of analytical equipment.

• Resources shared included a DNA nanostructure webserver (foldna.bio-x.cn), the molecular robotics research group (molbot.org), and Microryza, a Kickstarter-like platform for funding scientific research, demonstrating the community's focus on open-source tools and collaborative funding models.