# Key Points from IRC Conversation

• Users shared personal experiences with nootropics, particularly Noopept, with varying reports of effectiveness ranging from minimal effects at 10-30mg doses to more fluid thinking, though not as potent as traditional stimulants.

• A DIY CRISPR kit on Indiegogo and GlowGene for yeast modification were discussed as accessible tools for home genetic engineering, highlighting growing interest in democratizing biotechnology.

• Intermittent fasting generated debate about its effectiveness, with participants noting individual variations in response based on genetics and diet composition, and mixed experiences ranging from eventual benefits to mental fogginess.

• OpenTrons was shared as an affordable ($3k) lab automation platform, prompting questions about how it compares to more expensive commercial alternatives and reflecting interest in accessible scientific equipment.

• Mike Hearn's departure from Bitcoin sparked extensive discussion about the cryptocurrency's future, including concerns about censorship in r/Bitcoin and debate about Bitcoin's evolution as either a settlement system or everyday currency.

• Technical conversations covered microfluidics manufacturing challenges, the progress of Bitcoin's Segregated Witness implementation, and security considerations for remote computer access tools like TeamViewer versus more secure VNC over SSH alternatives.