# Key Points from IRC Discussions on Transhumanism and Technology

• Nutritional supplement formulations were critically analyzed, with specific concerns raised about "Joylent" (a Soylent competitor) containing potentially dangerous vitamin A dosages (325,000 IU vs. recommended 5,000 IU), inappropriate B12 forms (cyanocobalamin instead of methylcobalamin), and ineffective omega-3 sources from flaxseed.

• Significant gene therapy advancements were discussed, including Sangamo's zinc finger nuclease approach for HIV treatment and promising CRISPR applications for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, where researchers successfully edited cells from a 13-year-old patient.

• Thymus regeneration research was highlighted as a potential path to immune system rejuvenation, with two promising approaches: intrathymic transplantation of young thymic epithelial cells and upregulation of the FOXN1 transcription factor to reverse age-related thymic involution.

• DIY scientific equipment was explored, particularly miniaturized vacuum systems for research applications, including backpack-sized ultra-high vacuum systems ($5-10k) capable of achieving 7×10^-5 mbar in 160 seconds for a 1L volume, suitable for basic scanning electron microscopy.

• Intermittent fasting was discussed both anecdotally (with one user reporting positive results on a 19-5 schedule after a two-month adaptation period) and mechanistically (highlighting autophagy, NRF2 activation, mitochondriogenesis, and ketosis cycling as potential benefits).

• Novel financial mechanisms for research-intensive organizations were shared, including "FDA swaps" providing insurance against drug approval failure, "phase 2 development insurance," and dynamic leverage approaches that adjust debt based on default probability.

• SpaceX's successful Falcon rocket landing was noted as a breakthrough for space access economics, potentially reducing launch costs from millions to as low as $100,000 through reusable launch vehicles with aircraft-like maintenance requirements.