# Summary of ##hplusroadmap IRC Log (March 23, 2016)

* A discussion about neural network pruning techniques noted that "dropout" learning is common, where eliminating small weights below a threshold can improve performance and generalizability while making the weight matrix more sparse.

* Google announced TensorFlow in the cloud, expanding machine learning accessibility as shared in a Research Blog post.

* Robin Hanson's upcoming book on whole-brain emulation (where he calls uploaded persons "ems") was discussed, with criticism that it unrealistically portrays uploaded life as "traditional person stuff applied to computers" rather than recognizing the fundamental transformations possible.

* Kanzure argued that using brain emulation merely for "Second Life-like" experiences would be inefficient, as uploaded minds could operate with different time perceptions, risk tolerances, and information processing methods that don't require visual interfaces.

* A smartphone-based 3D printer called OLO was shared on Kickstarter, using near-field resin printing technology that turns a smartphone screen into a 3D printer.

* References to a 1990s mind uploading research group (MURG) were shared, including archives of their work on brain scanning and uploading projects.

* A nootropics discussion included experimentation with nicotine gum and caffeine combinations, with users reporting mixed results and concerns about potential addiction.