# Summary of #hplusroadmap IRC Log (October 4, 2016)

* The MIT Media Lab's Center for Extreme Bionics and Synthetic Neurobiology Group is developing techniques for sectioning expanded brain tissue, which becomes less dense during expansion, to help distinguish synaptic connections between neurons.

* Several papers related to brain sciences were shared, including "Grand challenges for global brain sciences" and "FISSEQ and the BRAIN initiative," indicating ongoing research in brain mapping and neural connectivity.

* A discussion of neural network hardware included references to Intel's 80170NX Electrically Trainable Neural Network from the early 1990s, showing interest in specialized hardware implementations of neural networks.

* Research on "acoustic mass spec" and acoustic liquid handling technologies for lab automation was mentioned, highlighting advances in laboratory techniques.

* A paper on "plastic metamaterial mechanisms" was shared, describing a grid of silicone cells with different patterns creating different levels of rigidity that can be used to create mechanical systems.

* Several machine learning concepts were discussed, including "asynchronous machine learning," "deep recurrent attentive writer," and theoretical questions about why neural networks work so well.

* Multiple papers on nanomanipulation and imaging systems were shared, including "Vision-based Nano Robotic System for High-throughput Non-embedded Cell Cutting" and "Novel In situ nanomanipulation integrated with SEM-CT imaging system."

* A paper on "The multiplicity of memory enhancement: Practical and ethical implications of the diverse neural substrates underlying human memory systems" was mentioned, touching on the intersection of neuroscience and enhancement technologies.