# Summary of IRC Log from #hplusroadmap (Dec 28, 2010)

• A new connectome project was shared, with links to the Human Connectome Project (humanconnectomeproject.org) and discussion of Brainbow imaging technology, which uses fluorescent proteins to visualize neural connections with striking colorful imagery.

• An interview with Max More was published on Space Collective, featuring his transhumanist philosophy including his well-known "Letter to Mother Nature" manifesto (http://spacecollective.org/Wildcat/6485/Plugging-into-the-epic-A-rational-poetry-of-the-future-An-essay-and-interview-with-Max-More).

• Tissue engineering was discussed, specifically regarding bioreactors for vascular grafts and physiologic pulsatile flow conditioning, with references to research from Rice University's West Lab (http://westlab.rice.edu/publications).

• DIYbio resources were mentioned, including Genspace in New York (genspace.org) which charges approximately $100/month membership fee for access to their community biolab facilities.

• There was discussion about the challenges of creating life support systems for engineered tissues, particularly in the context of whole brain preservation alternatives to traditional cryonics approaches.

• Concerns about DIYbio security were noted, with someone on the WTA-talk mailing list expressing fears about potential misuse of community biolabs like Genspace for bioterrorism.