# Key Ideas from #hplusroadmap IRC Discussion

• Researchers discussed genetic advances including the MC1R gene responsible for red hair and a novel heat shock method for gene therapy that activated green fluorescent protein expression in C. elegans nervous system cells at 34°C.

• Several self-tracking systems were shared, including a social interaction tracker that records unique people met daily, comprehensive personal logging systems using GNU screen, and tools like RescueTime for analyzing time usage patterns.

• Participants explored the concept of optimizing social relationships through "spaced repetition" principles, suggesting that maintaining connections might benefit from scheduled contact at intervals similar to memory reinforcement techniques.

• A "pilot project" for managing information overload was described, featuring conversation tagging and weighted tag clouds to better handle communications with numerous contacts, aiming to create a "1kfriend.ly" platform for personalized mass communication.

• The group discussed automated social filtering systems including "filterbots" that could pre-screen contacts and PGP-signed introductions to verify legitimate connection requests.

• Technical discussions included application security scanning across multiple platforms, finger tracking technology using accelerometers, and ASL gloves that convert sign language to English.

• Resources shared included Backyard Brains (a DIY neuroscience project), a universal transhumanist bibliography, and videos from the Foresight 2010 conference.