# Key Points from #hplusroadmap IRC Discussion

• Several innovative iGEM synthetic biology projects were discussed, including Caltech's light-induced cell lysis for bioplastic production, Kyoto's "Carnivorous E.coli" that attracts and digests insects, and NYMU-Taipei's system linking magnetic field reception with optogenetic neuro-stimulation.

• The conversation explored DNA synthesis technology challenges, including codon preference differences between species and the regulatory concerns surrounding DIY DNA synthesizers, with speculation about applications if whole genome synthesis became significantly cheaper.

• Participants discussed the Type Three Secretion System of Salmonella typhimurium as an example of natural nanotechnology (80nm length with 2nm diameter needle channel), highlighting its potential applications in bioengineering.

• Brain-computer interfaces were clarified as primarily focused on reading neural signals rather than stimulation in non-invasive applications, with references to Ralph Merkle's work on estimating human memory capacity.

• A philosophical debate emerged about whether knowledge exists "in books" or is generated in the brain when interpreting information, touching on questions of neural encoding and information transfer.

• Resources were shared on ultrasound neuromodulation (http://diyhpl.us/~bryan/papers2/neuro/ultrasound/), along with discussion of a "multistim" electrical stimulation device created at a Prague hackerspace, costing approximately $1500.