# Key Points from IRC Log

• Researchers discussed using carbon nanotubes for creating field-emission tips for electron guns, with one user sharing that boron nitride nanotubes are available as samples for around $8, while another shared papers on atmospheric scanning electron microscopy.

• Several papers on electron microscopy were shared, including research on cryo-EM techniques revolutionizing structural biology and the challenges of radiation damage to protein samples during imaging.

• A discussion about MakerBot's business troubles highlighted tensions in open-source hardware manufacturing, with users noting how the company lost community support after abandoning open-source principles, contrasting with companies like LulzBot that maintain fully open designs.

• NASA's tensegrity structures for space habitats were discussed, including a design that would allow for expanding a habitat from within while continuously occupied, potentially supporting the same land area as a Stanford Torus with only 6% of the aluminum hull mass.

• Users debated whether space habitats should be designed to expand incrementally (like Earth cities) versus building separate new habitats when population growth requires it, with considerations about community continuity and social dynamics.

• Scientific papers were shared on topics including protein LEM promoting CD8+ T cell immunity, CRISPR-associated endoribonuclease structure, and research suggesting chocolate consumption improves cognitive abilities in snails.