# Key Points from IRC Discussions

• Participants debated nootropics, with particular interest in ISRIB (Integrated Stress Response Inhibitor), which reportedly increased Long Term Potentiation by 300% in animal studies, and Lion's Mane mushroom, which promotes Nerve Growth Factor and reportedly led to personality changes in one user.

• A concept for simulated evolution was proposed, using evolutionary algorithms to select DNA sequences that produce proteins with specific functions, with a practical application example of creating artificial organelles that could store oxygen to help cells survive during oxygen deprivation.

• Two consumer brain-computer interface devices were compared: the Emotiv Insight and OpenBCI, with OpenBCI described as more hacker-friendly, though an expert cautioned that electroencephalography technology generally disappoints enthusiasts.

• Users discussed potential synergistic effects of combining neuroactive drugs that work through different mechanisms, particularly those that might enhance both neurogenesis and myelination.

• The conversation explored creating a directed graph of chemical reactions, with recommendations for organic reaction databases like Synarchive and Reaxys, and discussion of developing tools for amateur chemists.

• Participants debated GMO technology, highlighting the Cacao Swollen-Shoot Virus as an economic threat that could be addressed with disease-resistant GMO solutions, while distinguishing between evidence-based safety concerns and ethical objections.

• A significant discussion emerged about extracting technology development trends from patent citation graph data, with participants sharing research on technology forecasting through patent analysis despite skepticism about data quality.