# Summary of IRC Conversation on November 20, 2013

* A discussion about diamond-like carbon (DLC) deposition explored its potential use as an electrical insulator with high thermal conductivity for 3D printer hot ends, with aluminum nitride suggested as an alternative material with thermal conductivity potentially higher than pure aluminum.

* A scientific paper was shared about a small molecule compound (AAQ) that can interact with non-photoreceptive retinal neurons to give photo-receptivity for UV and blue light, which could potentially help people with retinal deterioration by making neural tissue behind damaged retinas light-sensitive.

* A conversation about assistive technology for the visually impaired mentioned tongue-based sensory substitution devices (likely referring to BrainPort technology from Wicab), which can provide visual information through electrotactile stimulation of the tongue.

* A paper was shared discussing lightning-triggered electroporation and electrofusion as possible contributors to natural horizontal gene transfer among prokaryotes, representing an interesting natural mechanism for genetic exchange.

* A $399 3D scanner (similar to Kinect technology) was mentioned as becoming commercially available at Staples, featuring automated software that produces STL or PLY output files.

* A discussion about academic publishing noted that eLife, an elite open-access journal, had received over £15 million ($24 million) in funding from major research institutions like the Wellcome Trust, Max Planck Society, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute.