# Summary of IRC Log from #hplusroadmap (August 3, 2013)

* A video on epigenetics titled "Epigenetics: Rewriting the information in DNA" by Dr. Laura Landweber was shared, indicating ongoing interest in genetic information modification.

* Kickstarter announced a policy change prohibiting projects from offering genetically modified organisms as rewards, which sparked discussion about its potential chilling effect on DIY biology projects and alternative funding approaches.

* A user shared information about "OpenTaq" (an open source DNA polymerase), noting the irony that the polymerase might be unreliable at amplifying its own gene sequence due to high GC content (59%), leading to discussion about testing alternatives.

* A DIY three-wheeled drag racer project was shared with photos, demonstrating the channel's interest in physical engineering projects alongside biological ones.

* A DIY Stirling engine made from a soda can running at 860 rpm was shared, prompting discussion about thermodynamics and the challenges in understanding how Stirling engines work despite formal education in the subject.

* A user mentioned working on a spectrometer project (referred to as "nmz787's spec"), with updates that the circuit schematic was complete but layout was still in progress, and that the optics were conceptually simple but required precise implementation.