# Summary of IRC Log from August 30, 2013

* A scientific paper was shared about poverty impeding cognitive function, with discussion noting that while the laboratory study illustrated the mechanism, it didn't demonstrate relevance in natural settings.

* A paper on flavonol-rich dark cocoa was shared, showing it significantly decreases plasma endothelin-1 and improves cognition in urban children.

* Discussion about underwater ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle) communication challenges, noting that water strongly attenuates electromagnetic radiation, with military submarines using very long wavelength radio (VLF can penetrate ~20m of seawater, while ELF can reach hundreds of meters but only for one-way communication).

* Conversation about microfluidic logic gates and digital microfluidics, including reference to a YouTube video demonstrating a programmable large area digital microfluidic array with integrated droplet sensing for bioassays.

* Discussion about DNA synthesis equipment development and funding challenges, including exploration of Genentech's funding requirements for science projects (requiring 501(c)3 status).

* Brief debate about academic career paths, with one user suggesting that becoming a professor limits one's ability to work on independent projects due to grant deadlines and institutional constraints.