# Key Points from #hplusroadmap IRC Discussion

• Participants debated habitat options, with ThomasEgi proposing underground habitats as more economical than seasteading, describing a thermal rock-cracking technology requiring only 200-400 watts to carve underground spaces, contrasting with the nuclear-powered "subterrene" boring device.

• Mokbortolan shared a cost-saving hack for Emotiv EPOC brain-computer interface users, finding that eye makeup remover pads ($6 for 50) work effectively as replacements for the official felt pads.

• Fenn discussed Semax, a 7-segment peptide fragment of ACTH that stimulates BDNF, protects against stroke, and enhances learning, noting its structure can be completely specified with just seven letters (MEHFPGP).

• The group discussed personal genomics options, with prices for exome sequencing ranging from $698-$1000, debating whether to prioritize sequencing older family members and expressing concerns that services like 23andMe might become unavailable due to regulatory changes.

• Technical discussions included Kanzure sharing a Python script for comparing binary blobs across different Pokemon ROMs, and another participant seeking help debugging a Markov Chain Monte Carlo implementation for sampling from discrete probability distributions.

• Philosophical debates covered brain scanning, identity, and consciousness, including thought experiments about atom-by-atom copying and quantum teleportation, with participants divided on the value of such discussions.