# Key Points from IRC Log (January 9, 2017)

- A discussion of genetic algorithms noted an interesting case where evolution occurred despite an integer overflow problem in recurrent nodes, resulting in a twofold increase in mean fitness over 10 generations.

- RebelBio announced a conference (February 9th) featuring keynote speaker Cyprien Verseaux, an astrobiologist who participated in NASA's HI-SEAS IV Mars simulation mission and researches how synthetic bacteria could enable Mars colonization.

- Illumina announced a significant advancement in DNA sequencing technology, claiming to sequence an entire human genome in just one hour, potentially ushering in the "$100 genome" era.

- Detailed technical discussion about non-viral gene therapy delivery mechanisms, including polyplexes, virosomes, and nanoparticle-based systems, with analysis of a patent (CA2924535A1) describing a complex nanoparticle delivery system.

- Participants debated the challenges of gene delivery systems, particularly the tradeoffs between protecting DNA, cell entry, lysosome escape, nuclear trafficking, and DNA release, while maintaining sufficient simplicity to function biologically.

- Discussion of cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) as a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that uses pulsed electric current to treat conditions like anxiety, depression, and insomnia, noting its distinction from direct current stimulation.