- A paper shared in-channel (PMC3692355) reports that caffeine protects mice against MPTP-induced blood–brain barrier dysfunction in the striatum, possibly via HPA-axis up-regulation that lowers neuro-inflammation.  
- MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) was discussed as a pro-drug that metabolizes to the mitochondrial toxin MPP+, selectively destroying dopaminergic neurons and serving as a standard Parkinson’s disease model.  
- Participants debated the mechanistic link between MPTP/MPP+ and blood–brain barrier disruption, noting that MPP+ inhibits mitochondrial complex I, increases free-radical generation, and may secondarily compromise endothelial integrity.  
- A cryptic mechanical part image (http://www.vander-bend.com/album_parts/#5.jpg) was posted as an informal “guess-the-component” puzzle, highlighting the channel’s habit of sharing hardware curiosities.  
- Brian Behlendorf’s recent appearance at Foresight Institute events was remarked upon as “weird,” reflecting ongoing scrutiny of institutional affiliations within the transhumanist community.