# Key Points from ##hplusroadmap IRC Discussions

- Several significant optogenetics research papers were shared, including work on red-shifted opsin molecules and CaMPARI (a calcium-modulated photoactivatable ratiometric integrator) for neural circuit mapping, demonstrating ongoing interest in advanced neuroscience techniques.

- The conversation highlighted biological cells as currently the most abundant and reprogrammable self-replicating machines, while also discussing the potential for developing non-biological self-replicating systems specifically for space colonization applications.

- A user documented amateur chemistry experiments involving the creation of glass vials containing liquid CO2 to observe critical point phenomena, sharing images and videos of containment methods for these high-pressure systems.

- Key resources on self-replicating machines were referenced, including the "Seed Factories" wikibook by Dani Eder and classic texts like "Kinematic Self Replicating Machines" and "Advanced Automation for Space Missions."

- An innovative climate engineering concept was discussed involving the relocation of polar ice caps underwater and the use of marine bubblers to cool surface water, potentially increasing iceberg longevity.