# Key Points from ##hplusroadmap IRC Discussion (Nov 29, 2016)

• Mike Darwin was developing a new cryonics facility, with participants noting that while human cryoresuscitation remains unproven, successful worm cryoresuscitation suggests even partial memory preservation would be valuable compared to complete death.

• Participants discussed DNA synthesis technology challenges, including chemical expiration issues, high costs (approximately $1300 per chemical set), and specialized storage requirements for DNA/peptide synthesis equipment.

• The conversation highlighted rapid advancement in gene editing, noting that CRISPR human trials had already begun in China with University of Pennsylvania trials planned for the following year.

• Kanzure proposed a novel artificial selection method involving inserting numerous 100bp DNA sequences into organisms and sequencing on a per-cell basis to identify successful ligations, aiming to evolve cells with enhanced homologous recombination capabilities.

• The group debated selection marker limitations when assembling 1,000+ DNA fragments, as traditional antibiotic resistance genes would be ineffective due to the low probability of correct assembly.

• Technical discussions covered Oxford Nanopore's sequencing technology limitations, including the high cost of flow cells ($500-900 each) and the vulnerability of protein pores to damage from radiation and oxygen.

• Participants explored the emerging field of virus manufacturing for therapeutic purposes, mentioning a startup focused on treating cancer in dogs through synthetic viruses, while discussing the balance between accessibility and security concerns.