# Key Points from IRC Conversation

• A Russian TOPAZ nuclear reactor (Cosmos 1818) in orbit has been leaking since 2008, with officials claiming it will burn up on re-entry in 2045 without causing radioactive contamination, highlighting ongoing debates about nuclear safety perceptions versus statistical safety records.

• Participants discussed limitations of mobile devices for information processing, noting that phones create a "straw-like" experience due to small screens and poor functionality, contrasting with Doug Engelbart's philosophy that computer interfaces should prioritize efficiency through training rather than ease of use.

• Alternative input methods were explored, including stenography systems like Plover and wearable keyboard designs like Perky, which can be worn on a belt for mobile typing, addressing limitations of conventional interfaces.

• MIT research using optogenetics to control sleep states in the brain was shared (http://news.mit.edu/2015/brain-controls-sleep-1013), representing advances in neuroscience and potential sleep manipulation technologies.

• A CCD spectrometer project featuring a 16-bit ADC and careful analog signal isolation was discussed, with potential applications in 900nm spectroscopy for alcohol detection, alongside mentions of DIY spectrometer options costing around $315.

• Researchers are developing a "loop extrusion" model of DNA folding that accurately predicts 3D genome structure, potentially allowing manipulation of genome shape through CRISPR editing of CTCF landing pads.

• Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) were discussed as materials potentially capable of storing oxygen and CO2 at densities similar to theoretical diamondoid respirocytes, suggesting applications in artificial blood cell development.