# Key Points from Transhumanist IRC Discussions

• Biohackers' subcutaneous LED implants were criticized as being more body modification than functional technology, with limitations including poor battery life, large size, and lack of wireless power transmission.

• Participants identified DNA synthesis cost ($5000 for 1500bp) as a major bottleneck for biological research, arguing that affordable large-scale DNA synthesis is necessary for exploring biological possibility spaces and engineering novel functions.

• The group debated anti-aging approaches, contrasting telomerase gene therapy (successful in mice) with more comprehensive strategies like whole-body stem cell replacement, with some suggesting cryonics may be viable before effective anti-aging therapies.

• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery risks were discussed in detail, including 8% risk of bleeding, 8% chance of stroke, 15% chance of infection, and 5% risk of hemorrhage, with criticism of current electrode placement techniques.

• A proposal to sequence the wood frog (Rana sylvatica) highlighted its unique freeze tolerance mechanisms that could benefit cryopreservation research, though researchers expressed frustration about needing to justify such work with diabetes-related applications.

• DIY gene therapy approaches were debated, including RNAi delivery via SNALP vesicles, with specific interest in targeting the DMRT1 gene, though delivery methods remain a significant challenge for genetic enhancement.

• Nuclear pacemakers were discussed in historical context, prompting questions about export/commerce control rules for individuals with such implants.