# Summary of IRC Conversation on May 22, 2015

* Research on octopus skin revealed it contains light sensors that allow chromatophores to expand in response to light without brain input, suggesting a distributed light-sensing system that contributes to their patterning abilities, with maximum sensitivity to blue light at 480 nm wavelength.

* Discussion of neural networks included debate about their prediction capabilities, with one user arguing they're better at recognition than prediction, while another countered with evidence of their effectiveness in time series prediction, citing Wolfgang Maass's work.

* Several biologically-accurate neuron emulation tools were discussed, including NEURON software which models ion channels, receptors, and cell membranes, though it was criticized as being outdated technology from the 1990s.

* A serious security vulnerability was identified in the Interoperable Telesurgery Protocol (ITP), which lacks encryption or authentication, potentially allowing attackers to hijack telesurgery robots during procedures.

* Multiple hardware random number generators were shared, including TrueRNG, Araneus Alea II, and Infinite Noise, with links to their respective product pages and GitHub repositories.

* Scientists from the Tara Expeditions conducted the largest DNA sequencing effort in ocean science, identifying approximately 40 million plankton genes (mostly previously unknown) after sailing 87,000 miles for research.