# Key Points from Transhumanist IRC Discussion (August 8, 2013)

• IBM's SyNAPSE project was discussed, including their new "Corelet" programming language for neuromorphic chips, though participants noted these chips use binary weights rather than true analog components, limiting their biological realism.

• Participants debated the practical utility of Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs), with some highlighting their low power density while others valued their application in waste treatment and the fascinating biological mechanism where bacteria grow conductive "wires" to electrodes.

• A DIY biology equipment thread revealed ongoing development of gel electrophoresis equipment including gel boxes, transilluminators, and power supplies, with plans for more advanced designs like capillary systems and automated DNA visualization techniques.

• The group discussed various implementations of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), debating hardware implementations versus simulations and whether op-amp circuits would qualify as true neural networks.

• A Korean research paper was shared describing a novel technique using lasers to perforate cells and optical tweezers to insert foreign DNA, with additional mention of laser-induced ultrasonic poration techniques.

• Participants critiqued a Wired article that compared the web to a brain and claimed link rot was natural and beneficial, with members pointing out fundamental flaws in the article's understanding of neuroscience.