# Key Points from the ##hplusroadmap IRC Discussion

• Genetic assembly methods were compared, with In-Fusion (from Clontech) being recommended over Gibson Assembly for multi-fragment ligations, particularly for a project involving His6+TAT+PKR+APAF1 fusion proteins that could selectively induce apoptosis in virus-infected cells.

• Human genome sequencing costs have dropped below $1000, though current coverage levels (5-7x) may be insufficient for applications requiring high accuracy or de novo assembly, with participants discussing metagenomic sequencing options for environmental samples.

• Alternative protein purification methods beyond standard nickel columns were discussed, including ice nucleation protein display and elastin-like peptide tags, with concerns raised about patents limiting the sharing of these valuable DNA fragments.

• A decentralized machine learning system was described that would learn small models in a peer-to-peer fashion and combine weak models into a strong classifier, potentially using random forests algorithms.

• Participants engaged in a critical discussion of quantum consciousness theories, with significant skepticism expressed about Penrose's theory, characterizing it as modern mind-body dualism and debating whether Hodgkin-Huxley neuron models sufficiently explain neural information processing.

• DIY bioreactor options were briefly explored, with suggestions that beer kegs might be suitable for yeast or algae cultivation but less appropriate for E. coli production, which typically requires more specialized equipment.