# Key Points from DNA Synthesis and Transhumanism Discussion

• Researchers discussed the technical challenges of DNA synthesizer design, comparing inkjet printing approaches with electrochemical methods like CustomArray's CMOS semiconductor technology, which can synthesize thousands of oligonucleotides simultaneously at costs as low as 0.04 cents per base.

• The group explored solutions to surface tension issues in DNA synthesis, with CaptHindsight suggesting SLA-printed sample trays with 1mm wells to improve drop placement accuracy and increase synthesis density.

• Participants analyzed various DNA assembly methods for handling large numbers of unique strands, including Gibson assembly, yeast assembly, golden gate, DNA ligase, ligase cycling reaction, PCR assembly, paperclip, and golden braid.

• The conversation established practical synthesis targets of oligonucleotides under 100bp (likely <80bp) due to chemistry yield errors, with kanzure suggesting 50bp would provide sufficient length for DNA hybridization while maintaining unique content.

• Researchers discussed attaching Illumina tags to pooled DNA libraries for sequencing verification, emphasizing the need for sufficient edit distance between sequences to ensure reliable identification.

• A separate discussion covered the glymphatic system (the brain's waste clearance pathway), with kanzure sharing research about how sleep facilitates more efficient removal of metabolic waste products from the brain compared to wakefulness.

• The philosophical distinction between "transhumanism" and "posthumanism" was briefly discussed, with most participants considering it "a very non-universal and somewhat pointless distinction" as definitions vary widely among individuals.