# Key Points from ##hplusroadmap IRC Discussion (September 29, 2015)

• Researchers discussed artificial uterus development, suggesting a paradigm shift toward selecting embryos that can thrive in artificial environments rather than only adapting devices to current embryo requirements, with significant challenges noted in placenta substitution and nutrient delivery systems.

• Ed Boyden's Synthetic Neurobiology Group publications were shared, covering advances in optogenetics, neural recording systems, and transgenic mice developed for highly specific neural sensing applications.

• A novel "sonogenetics" approach was discussed that enables non-invasive activation of neurons in C. elegans, alongside research on Cpf1, a new CRISPR-associated nuclease demonstrating robust activity in human cells.

• Participants debated aging mechanisms, proposing it may function as a distributed "countdown clocking system" throughout organisms, suggesting why simple blood exchanges don't reverse aging despite evidence that young blood injections can increase neurogenesis in older animals.

• Technical discussions covered limitations of triangle-based 3D modeling in CAD software (particularly for curves and complex intersections), with OpenCascade and BRLCAD mentioned as rare examples of open-source CAD kernels.

• Resources on cryptographic verification were added to a DIY wiki, specifically regarding SNARKs (Succinct Non-interactive Arguments of Knowledge) and their practical applications in verifiable computation.