# Key Points from #hplusroadmap IRC Discussion

• A breakthrough brain-wide staining method called BROPA (brain-wide reduced-osmium staining with pyrogallol-mediated amplification) was discussed, which preserves ultrastructural details at resolutions sufficient for tracing neurons and synaptic connections across an entire mouse brain.

• Participants shared research on "Rational Design of Antibiotic Treatment Plans" (PLOS ONE) demonstrating how strategically designed treatment protocols could potentially reverse antibiotic resistance by returning resistant bacteria to wild-type states.

• Galantamine, extracted from daffodil bulbs, was proposed as a potential alternative to nicotine for nootropic effects without most negative side effects, though its current high cost was noted as a limitation.

• A philosophical debate occurred regarding consciousness, mind uploading, and whether digital simulations could truly replicate human consciousness, touching on the technical feasibility of whole brain emulation.

• Kanzure shared high-resolution (24MB) brain scanning images, demonstrating current capabilities in neural mapping and reconstruction techniques.

• The discussion highlighted a significant skills gap between biology/medicine and programming, noting that programming remains inaccessible to many biological researchers despite its growing importance in the field.

• Career strategy was discussed, with the suggestion that students interested in computing should consider majoring in non-computing fields like biochemistry or mechanical engineering, where programming skills would provide a competitive advantage.