# Key Points from IRC Discussions on Transhumanism and Enhancement

• Participants discussed neurotransmitter precursors for mental health, highlighting L-tryptophan as a safer alternative to 5-HTP (which may cause heart issues unless taken with EGCG or carbidopa), and DL-phenylalanine (DLPA) as an effective dopamine precursor.

• The conversation explored treatments for bipolar disorder and depression, comparing supplements (like magnesium) to prescription medications (like lithium and ketamine), with ketamine specifically noted for its NMDA receptor antagonist properties and rapid antidepressant effects.

• Military human enhancement was discussed in relation to international law, prompted by an Atlantic article examining the legal implications of enhanced soldiers.

• Participants debated the value of modest cognitive enhancements from nootropics like piracetam, with some arguing that even 5-10% improvements are meaningful while others maintained that only order-of-magnitude improvements would be truly transformative.

• Key transhumanist research priorities were identified, including whole brain emulation (for safely experimenting with brain modifications), transcranial ultrasound for brain interfaces, and longevity research.

• The group critiqued academic research culture, suggesting that many PhD researchers limit scientific progress by not reading broadly enough across the literature, often citing only ~200 references while ignoring thousands of relevant papers.

• A comprehensive collection of transhumanist papers was referenced (http://diyhpl.us/~bryan/papers2/), with participants noting the absence of a dedicated journal for transhumanist research.