- SRGAP2C, a human-specific gene duplication that arose 2–3 million years ago, is a copy-number variant that antagonizes its ancestral gene SRGAP2A; by inhibiting SRGAP2A it increases excitatory and inhibitory synapse density and prolongs synapse maturation, giving human cortical neurons their characteristic developmental profile.  
- Discussion of upcoming North-American solar eclipses: an annular eclipse on 14 Oct 2023 (Oregon → Texas) and a total eclipse on 8 Apr 2024 (Austin will see 1–2 min totality).  
- Thymosin α1 (Ta1) and thymosin β4 (Tβ4) were highlighted as potent, allegedly non-toxic immunomodulators and tissue-regenerative peptides secreted by the thymus; Ta1 is approved in ~30 countries but not by the FDA, and most clinical literature is dominated by authors affiliated with its manufacturer.  
- Participants debated sourcing peptides (science.bio out of stock, cuerpoymente requiring reshipper) and noted that Ta1 is stable for weeks when lyophilized at room temperature.  
- Concerns were raised about supplement-industry fraud, lack of independent replication, and the need for a tool that maps author overlap across papers to detect potential publication bias (example given: melatonin cancer studies).  
- Apple-peel phytochemicals (especially ursolic acid) were discussed as a low-calorie route to polyphenol intake; participants weighed pesticide residue risks, COA authenticity, and the economics of dry apple-peel powder versus standard fruit.  
- Open questions: why endogenous molecules like Ta1 would confer extra benefit when dosed exogenously if the body could simply up-regulate them, and how to obtain full-spectrum phytochemicals without caloric load or untrustworthy extracts.  
- Links shared: NASA eclipse maps, PubMed papers on Ta1/Tβ4, tomato plants engineered to express Ta1, and Reddit thread on purchasing insect venom for research.