# Key Points from #hplusroadmap IRC Discussions

• Researchers explored the controversial concept of microbial nootropics, specifically breeding brain-dwelling bacteria in mice that correlate with improved cognitive test scores, sparking debate about whether such microbes could be beneficial or would be limited to pathogens.

• The gut-brain axis was discussed as a potentially more viable pathway for cognitive enhancement, noting that the gut contains more neurotransmitters by mass than the brain itself and can significantly influence brain function.

• The NEST neural simulator software was highlighted as now available on GitHub (github.com/nest/nest-simulator), providing an open-source tool for neural network simulation research.

• Magnetoelectric nanoparticles were discussed as a promising technology for brain stimulation and imaging, referencing research published in Future Medicine journal.

• The BrainPort device, which converts visual information into tactile stimulation on the tongue, received FDA approval after a lengthy regulatory process, marking progress in sensory substitution technology.

• Research on viral vectors targeting specific receptors was shared, highlighting their potential for retrograde transport from axonal tips to motor neurons, which could enable minimally invasive delivery of therapeutics for neurological conditions.

• A study connecting insulin signaling to memory formation through AMPA receptor endocytosis in rat neurons was discussed, demonstrating molecular mechanisms underlying cognitive processes.