# Key Ideas from #hplusroadmap IRC Discussions

• FreeCAD was highlighted as an active open-source CAD software project, countering claims of its demise, with participants sharing its v0.16 release notes.

• Participants discussed digital evolution systems like Avida where computer programs compete for CPU resources and memory, sharing research on self-replicating digital organisms.

• A controversial paper on "Testing quantised inertia in the emdrive" (arxiv.org/pdf/1604.03449v1.pdf) was shared, relating to speculative propulsion technology.

• The board game "High Frontier" was noted for its scientific accuracy, featuring cards with references to actual scientific papers on speculative space technologies from superconductor solar sails to magnetohydrodynamic generators.

• A technical debate occurred about the feasibility of biological radio systems, with some arguing they could enable self-replicating systems in space while others pointed out fundamental limitations in biological electrical signaling for radio frequency applications.

• Geobacter bacteria were discussed for their unusual "metal-like" conductive properties, with references to research showing their wire-like structures can transfer electrical charge (http://mbio.asm.org/content/6/2/e00084-15.full).

• The conversation explored whether biological systems could function as "nanofactories" capable of producing complex electronic structures, with debate about their potential to replace conventional semiconductor fabrication.