# Key Points from IRC Discussions

• Participants discussed transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as a cognitive enhancement method that can be built for under $50, though users should be cautious about potential risks like skin burns if improperly implemented.

• Nootropics and meditation were discussed as cognitive enhancement approaches, with emphasis on how effectiveness varies significantly between individuals and depends on specific desired outcomes.

• A DIY biology expert system implemented in JavaScript was shared, prompting discussion about implementation choices and the value of presenting early-stage projects to technical communities.

• Members debated the evolution of hackathon culture, criticizing its shift from gatherings of skilled technical hackers to recruiting events dominated by superficial web development projects.

• CRISPR-Cas genome editing was mentioned, specifically regarding a transgene-free method for targeted deletions in nematodes with high specificity according to whole-genome sequencing.

• The channel utilized automated tools like "paperbot" for academic resource sharing, as demonstrated by the retrieval of a genetics paper (http://www.genetics.org/content/195/3/1167.short).

• Technical resources were shared, including a technical book library (http://slib.phys.msu.ru/sl/) and discussions of development tools like pyplusplus, pygccxml, and challenges with Node.js and PhantomJS compatibility.