# Summary of #hplusroadmap IRC Log (Jan 26, 2017)

* A discussion about the legal complexities of "open source biology" highlighted that DNA sequences may be known but still patent-encumbered, with juul explaining that "copyright does not apply so you can't use any open source license" and that material transfer agreements (MTAs) often restrict sharing biological materials.

* The BioBricks Foundation was mentioned as developing the Open Material Transfer Agreement (OMTA) and BioBrick Public Agreement 2.0 (BPA) to address legal issues around sharing biological materials, though kanzure noted "there is no reliable way to opt-out of the patent system."

* A user inquired about obtaining a plasmid that makes E. coli smell like strawberries, with juul cautioning about the metabolic overhead and suggesting it might be restricted by academic material transfer agreements (UBMTA).

* A discussion about metabolic load in engineered organisms included nmz787_w questioning the concept, suggesting that if "feeding it more sugar or something doesn't work... the genetic system seems obviously broken."

* A study on performance-enhancing drugs for chess players was shared, examining the effects of methylphenidate, modafinil, and caffeine on cognitive enhancement in chess, with sachy noting that caffeine/Ritalin use is known among chess players in the Czech Republic.

* Several technical resources were shared, including a list of AAAI papers, RFC 8041 on Multipath TCP, and a link to OnionCat (a tool that creates an anonymous VPN using Tor).