# Key Points from IRC Log (March 19, 2016)

* A paper titled "Neural Substrate Expansion for the Restoration of Brain Function" was shared from Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience, discussing potential approaches to brain function restoration.

* Research was discussed showing that cross-hormone therapy in transgender individuals causes brain volume changes similar to their identified gender, with performance changes on cognitive tests attributed to neurotrophin action on brain remodeling.

* Participants discussed Google/Alphabet's decision to sell Boston Dynamics, noting that while media coverage focused on profitability concerns, it failed to mention BD's previous military contract funding and Google's pledge to avoid such contracts.

* The departure of Andy Rubin, who previously oversaw robotics at Google, was mentioned as a potential factor in Alphabet's decision to divest from Boston Dynamics.

* Several participants shared personal observations about alcohol consumption, questioning its value and noting how it interferes with productivity and project work, with one commenter suggesting people use it primarily to overcome social inhibitions.