# Key Technical Points from #hplusroadmap Discussions

• Researchers compared DNA synthesis approaches, contrasting traditional chemical methods with enzymatic techniques using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (tDt), noting enzymatic methods potentially require fewer harsh chemicals and lower costs ($200 for nucleotides versus $1000-1300 for synthesis chemicals).

• Detailed technical discussions explored nanofluidics versus enzymatic approaches for DNA synthesis, debating whether controlling single nucleotide flow or using specialized enzymes would be more practical for DIY synthesis applications.

• Participants shared insights on high-precision fabrication technologies, including CNC systems with acme screws and microstepping techniques that achieve 1.5875 microns of precision using 400step/rev motors.

• The group discussed single-molecule detection methods, with advocacy for voltammetry-based approaches to detect nucleotides in nanochannels, where confined nucleotides reach concentrations 1000x higher than needed for conventional detection.

• Researchers shared information about the Illustris project, a large cosmological simulation of galaxy formation using advanced computational methods to model dark matter, gas dynamics, and astrophysical processes.

• A technical discussion covered biological electrical conductivity, including research on electrically conductive bacterial nanowires from Geobacter sulfurreducens and proteins that can translate membrane potential changes into biochemical signals.

• The conversation included observations about electrostatic lenses in ion optics, noting how their focal length varies with the energy spread of ions, similar to how glass lenses focus different wavelengths of light at different focal points.