# Key Points from #hplusroadmap IRC Log

• A discussion on relativistic space travel noted that a spacecraft with constant 1G acceleration would experience only 60 years of subjective time to reach the Andromeda Galaxy, highlighting the significant time dilation effects at relativistic speeds.

• The Brain Preservation Foundation announced that the Small Mammal Brain Preservation Prize ($26,735) was awarded to 21st Century Medicine for their "Aldehyde-Stabilized Cryopreservation" technique, which achieved near-perfect structural preservation of a rabbit brain.

• The winning brain preservation method combines chemical fixation with cryogenic cooling, with the competition now advancing to the Large Mammal phase requiring preservation of a pig brain in a hospital-adaptable protocol.

• Open-source PCR technology was discussed, with references to NinjaPCR (a fork of OpenPCR) on GitHub, demonstrating ongoing interest in DIY molecular biology tools within the transhumanist community.

• A conceptual microfluidic CAD framework was proposed that would allow modular "Lego-like" assembly of primitive components with built-in compatibility warnings, potentially simplifying complex microfluidic design.

• The conversation touched on unauthorized scientific paper access through "research pirates of the dark web" as covered in The Atlantic, reflecting the community's interest in open access to scientific knowledge.