# Key Points from IRC Log (April 19, 2016)

• A discussion about Dyson swarms suggested using dust clouds to reflect light to a single point as a potentially cheaper alternative to deploying solar panels throughout space.

• ImplicitCAD was featured on Hackaday as a programmatic CAD system built with 3D printing in mind, while Microsoft introduced a new CAD format called Maker.js that uses JSON.

• Participants discussed the declining quality of science fiction literature and potential solutions, including collaborative writing projects with strong editorial oversight to maintain worldbuilding integrity and quality standards.

• A Flyboard Air test video was shared, with subsequent discussion about its potential military applications for urban combat resupply and medical evacuation.

• The Jeol NEOSCOPE electron microscope was mentioned as costing $123,250 with EDS (X-ray detection) capability or $79,000 without it.

• A philosophical point was raised about the "hammer-nail dichotomy" - the value of transforming problems to fit existing tools, even if not optimal, with the option to optimize later.