# Key Points from IRC Log

• Kanzure shared several papers on memory enhancement, including "A cognitive prosthesis for memory facilitation by closed-loop functional ensemble stimulation of hippocampal neurons in primate brain" by Berger, discussing neural implants that target memory consolidation pathways.

• A discussion about targeting memory consolidation pathways in the brain noted the challenges of using stereotaxic techniques or viral vectors without damaging surrounding brain tissue.

• Research on Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory (HSAM) was discussed, with JayDugger expressing skepticism about relying on "mental perpetual calendar" abilities as a primary measure.

• Justanotheruser shared a video about bacterial evolution on a "mega-plate" petri dish, leading to discussion about evolutionary experiments including the E. coli long-term evolution experiment spanning 40,000 generations.

• Kanzure referenced research showing that deep brain stimulation (DBS) near the fornix and entorhinal cortex has been found to enhance memory function and evoke autobiographical memories in patients.

• The group discussed von Economo neuron density in the anterior cingulate cortex as a potential biological correlate of high memory capacity in advanced age.

• Abetusk recommended pstoedit as an excellent tool for converting between file formats, noting it can even convert from postscript to gcode.

• A Twitter account called "BoredSynBio" was shared, featuring humorous synthetic biology project ideas attributed to George Church, including microbiome tests for politicians and gene circuits to regulate beard growth.