# Key Points from #hplusroadmap IRC Discussion

• A research paper on distributed cortical adaptation during BCI learning was shared, demonstrating how brain activity patterns change across multiple regions when learning to use brain-computer interfaces.

• Participants discussed a paper on laser scribing of graphene-based electrochemical capacitors, highlighting advances in flexible energy storage technology.

• The Supreme Court's Myriad decision on gene patents was critically analyzed, with members pointing out the scientific inconsistency in ruling naturally occurring DNA unpatentable while allowing patents on cDNA, despite cDNA occurring naturally in cells infected with retroviruses.

• Concerns were raised about the implications of allowing synthetic DNA modifications to be patented, with predictions that companies would rush to synthesize and patent DNA sequences, potentially impeding scientific research.

• The Valve employee handbook was shared, showcasing their "open allocation" organizational structure where employees choose their own projects, similar to GitHub's approach.

• Members discussed issues at BioCurious, a community biology lab facing financial challenges after losing corporate sponsorship, with concerns about governance transparency and member voting rights.

• Various continuous integration tools (Jenkins, Hudson, Travis, codeship.io) were evaluated for potential implementation in projects.