# Key Points from IRC Log

• A user shared genomic data analysis showing there are approximately 2 billion unique 18-mers in the human genome, providing valuable reference information for researchers working in genomic analysis and DNA sequencing.

• An innovative manufacturing technique was demonstrated where a user successfully cast aluminum parts from 3D printed positives using two microwaves, with plans to automate the process and eventually apply similar techniques to bioprinting.

• A crowdfunding project was discussed about biologically extending human vision into the near-infrared spectrum, with technical concerns raised about potential reduced clarity in red cone cells if some are repurposed for infrared wavelengths.

• Potential treatments for neurodegenerative diseases were explored, including the phytochemical dye Shikon (described as a potent anti-inflammatory that inhibits TNF without immune side effects) and buckyballs dissolved in olive oil showing promising anti-inflammatory properties.

• The Quantified Self community's data storage challenges were discussed, highlighting issues with cloud services that don't allow local data ownership, with one user mentioning their solution of using YAML files parsed with Python despite efficiency concerns.

• Several academic papers were shared, including work on text indexing methods ("New Indices for Text: Pat Trees and Pat Arrays") and a security paper on physical side-channel vulnerabilities in computing systems ("Get Your Hands Off My Laptop: Physical Side-Channel Key-Extraction Attacks On PCs").