# Key Points from #hplusroadmap IRC Discussions

• Current oligonucleotide synthesis methods (phosphoramidite and phosphotriester) were critiqued for significant limitations including low yield, water sensitivity, and inefficiencies in gene assembly.

• A patent (US8808989) was discussed describing enzyme-based methods for synthesizing polynucleotides using nucleotidyl transferase enzymes in aqueous environments without requiring a nucleic acid template.

• Participants shared resources on DNA synthesis technologies, including a comprehensive Church lab paper on large-scale de novo DNA synthesis methods and applications.

• Optoelectrowetting technology using laser pointers to manipulate droplets was demonstrated through several videos, suggesting applications in microfluidics or chemical synthesis.

• The "Breakthrough Listen" initiative ($100 million SETI project by Yuri Milner and Stephen Hawking) was announced, planning to use state-of-the-art radio and optical surveys with premier telescopes.

• Correlated Magnetics Research (CMR) technology was highlighted through videos demonstrating printed polarity magnets and non-contact attachment systems, with discussion of potential applications including seismic isolation.

• A biotech startup called BlueTurtleBio was mentioned as developing a therapy for Gaucher's disease using engineered gut microbes capable of secreting glucocerebrosidase enzymes.