# Key Points from #hplusroadmap IRC Discussions

• Participants critically analyzed commercial nootropics, specifically criticizing RISE ($1/pill) for containing only bacopa, theanine, and caffeine at a significant markup compared to purchasing these supplements separately.

• A debate emerged about whether caffeine should be classified as a nootropic, with some arguing against its inclusion due to tolerance buildup and side effects, while others defended it as a legitimate cognitive enhancer when used properly.

• The Nanoscribe Photonic Professional GT, an advanced 3D laser lithography system for microprinting, was discussed as a notable technology in the space.

• Updates on open-source lab automation were shared, including clarification about Synthego's focus on robotic liquid pipetting and news that OpenTrons had completed their first production run of robots following a successful Kickstarter.

• The ETC Group was criticized for spreading misinformation about synthetic biology and transhumanism, including creating propaganda depicting Craig Venter's synthetic cell "Synthia" as malevolent.

• Technical discussions covered DIY scanning tunneling microscope construction, debating the merits of piezoelectric tubes versus piezo buzzers, with concerns about precision limitations.

• Participants explored cryptographic verification methods for distributed file systems, specifically discussing HMAC as a potential solution for proof of retrievability challenges in a distributed backup project for the Internet Archive.