# Key Points from #hplusroadmap IRC Discussion

• Researchers discussed advanced gene editing techniques, particularly RecCas9, a programmable Cas9-serine recombinase fusion protein that enables site-specific DNA recombination in mammalian cells without requiring pre-existing recognition sites.

• The conversation distinguished between sequence-specific recombinases (like Cre/loxP) and non-sequence-specific recombinases (like RecA and UvsX) that can search for sequence similarity along double-stranded DNA without specific recognition sites.

• Photoactivatable Cre-loxP recombination systems were highlighted as enabling optogenetic genome engineering through noninvasive external LED illumination in living mice, representing an advance in spatial and temporal control of genetic modifications.

• Participants shared information about direct-to-consumer whole genome sequencing services, noting that Veritas offers 30x coverage for $999 (with BAM file + VCF) and Full Genomes.com offers 30x coverage for $1850.

• A conceptual method for programmatic DNA assembly was proposed using microbeads with attached DNA containing recombinase target sites, guide RNAs, and RecCas9, though with acknowledged limitations including minimum fragment length requirements.

• The discussion touched on Cixin Liu's "Three Body Problem" trilogy and its perspective on the Fermi paradox—that advanced civilizations may hide because detecting alien life could represent an existential threat once they've developed sufficiently.

• The EmDrive study's peer-reviewed publication was noted, with debate about its functionality and claims that researchers had ruled out thrusting against Earth's magnetic field as an explanation for observed effects.