# Key Points from Transhumanist and Biohacking IRC Discussions

• Researchers discussed brain imaging technologies for dream reconstruction and neuroscience visualization, including widefield temporal focusing of C. elegans brains and CLEAR (a technique for making brain tissue transparent), noting that current fMRI resolution limitations require expensive equipment.

• A community member purchased an ABI 391 DNA synthesizer for $500 from eBay, with detailed discussions about its capabilities (synthesizing up to 175 base pairs with 98% coupling efficiency), technical requirements (fume hood, argon gas), and significant hazardous waste generation (2 liters per 100 base pairs).

• Participants debated the limitations of molecular representation formats like PDB, which lack support for representing dynamic molecular structures such as rotary motors, highlighting gaps in current scientific standards.

• The group shared research on magnetotactic bacteria that produce 42nm magnetite crystals, discussing potential applications for magnetic nanoparticles beyond MRI, such as mRNA isolation and photonic nanostructures.

• A technical comparison of thin-layer chromatography versus electrophoresis for biochemical analysis occurred, with debate about which method is more practical for analyzing large molecules like proteins.

• Aubrey de Grey's longevity research was discussed, with some criticism that he focuses too much on marketing rather than research, though participants acknowledged the field is underfunded compared to other medical issues.

• Resources for microfluidics and photoresists were shared, along with a discussion about whether certain "open-source" hardware projects were genuinely sharing their designs and information openly.