# Key Points from #hplusroadmap IRC Discussion

• A technical discussion on MOSFET transistor circuits recommended using both gate resistors (33-100 Ohm) and pull-down resistors when interfacing with microcontrollers, with debate over whether logic-level MOSFETs or buffer circuits are preferable.

• Participants expressed skepticism about a US intelligence official's classification of gene editing technology as a weapon of mass destruction threat, as reported in a Technology Review article.

• The conversation on brain uploading suggested that focusing on brain simulation might be more realistic than promising perfect human brain emulation, as initial uploads would likely produce "not-quite-human AGI" with lower fidelity than often promised.

• Resources related to brain connectivity were shared, including references to the Human Connectome Project and specific proteins involved in neural connections (PSD-95 and Gephyrin).

• A debate occurred regarding aldehyde vitrification as a brain preservation technique, specifically questioning whether the method preserves sufficient cellular information and whether DNA/RNA sequencing would remain possible after preservation.

• The channel discussed cryptocurrency research papers and cypherpunk topics, noting historical connections between early cryptocurrency enthusiasts and the transhumanist community via the Extropians mailing list archives.

• Participants briefly debated the Zika virus epidemic and its potential connection to increased microcephaly cases in newborns, with disagreement about whether the virus was definitively linked to the condition.