# Key Points from IRC Conversation

• The discussion explored whether embodiment is essential for AI and brain emulation, with computational neuroscientist Archels arguing that physical bodies are necessary for personality and cognition, while others suggested unembodied cognition might offer greater potential.

• Maaku critiqued OpenCog's approach to embodied AI, arguing that true artificial brains would be "a giant interconnected mess with computation constantly forking as it spreads through the network" rather than having "mind agents" exist outside the system.

• Researchers Freitas and Merkle's work on diamond mechanosynthesis was discussed, focusing on implementing a minimal toolset for positional assembly at the molecular level, with Phillip Moriarty receiving a grant to implement a limited version of this approach.

• Zyvex Labs' progress on atomically precise manufacturing was highlighted, specifically their use of scanning probe microscopes to remove hydrogen from silicon surfaces to build three-dimensional nanostructures.

• An innovative cryptocurrency concept was proposed where coins could be generated based on solving protein structure problems rather than traditional proof-of-work algorithms, though concerns were raised about centralization.

• Tesla's demonstration of software-defined vehicles was noted, with Elon Musk announcing that Tesla P85D acceleration would improve by ~0.1 seconds via an over-the-air software update to the inverter algorithm.

• A company called Pembient was mentioned for developing synthetic rhino horn alternatives that are genetically and spectrographically similar to real rhino horn as a strategy to combat poaching.