# Key Points from #hplusroadmap IRC Discussion

• Eleitl described plans to build a 3D lattice of Parallella computing boards (featuring Zynq-7020 FPGA) for real-time neuron emulation, aiming to simulate approximately 20,000 neurons—comparable to a cortical column—with participants sharing technical details about FPGA capabilities and potential applications in molecular dynamics.

• A meteor impact in the Ural region was discussed, with reports of 50 people injured from the pressure wave that broke windows, prompting sharing of videos and analysis of impact crater characteristics.

• Participants engaged in technical discussions about biological engineering, particularly how plasmids function across cell types, with yashgaroth explaining that metabolic engineering requires extensive tweaking to achieve meaningful expression levels, citing artemisinin production in yeast as an example.

• The conversation touched on DIY biohacking, including mentions of perfusing chicken eyes for experimentation, discussions about a biohacking Google Group focused on 3D printing applications, and sharing concerns about magnet implants via an article (http://www.iamdann.com/2013/02/15/magnet-implants-can-actually-be-pretty-annoying).

• Eleitl mentioned progress on personal cryonics research, noting they had "vitrified some VM-1" and discussed dewar filling that used approximately 95 liters, suggesting hands-on work in cryopreservation techniques.

• Kanzure shared historical context about patent law, noting that England's first patent system established in 1624 was simultaneously the country's first antitrust law, restricting monopolies except for disclosed inventions.