# Summary of #hplusroadmap IRC Log (June 28, 2015)

• Scientists created synthetic membranes that can grow like living cells, as reported in a PNAS paper shared by heath, representing a significant advancement in artificial cell development (http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2015/06/19/1506704112).

• A case study was shared about a 24-year-old woman found to have no cerebellum in her brain, highlighting the remarkable neuroplasticity of the human brain and its ability to compensate for significant structural deficiencies.

• Several research papers on evolutionary biology were discussed, including studies on extreme genome reduction in symbiotic bacteria, microbial dormancy, and the origin of multicellularity in cyanobacteria.

• The SpaceX rocket launch failure was briefly mentioned, with the rocket exploding just before the second stage separation.

• Sci-Hub was discussed as a platform breaking down academic paywalls, providing access to scientific papers that are typically behind publisher paywalls.

• There was a brief discussion about nootropics, specifically lysergamides including LSD, with mention of microdosing as a potential cognitive enhancement approach.

• The Center for PostNatural History was shared (postnatural.org), which appears to focus on organisms that have been intentionally altered by humans.