# Key Points from ##hplusroadmap IRC Discussion (Nov 6, 2016)

• The channel showed interest in cutting-edge neural technology, with members discussing Brain Computer Interface work and sharing the research paper "Rosetta brains: A strategy for molecularly-annotated connectomics" by Marblestone, Church, and Boyden (2014).

• A notable perspective on technological acceleration was shared via George Church's statement that "Ray Kurzweil is a pessimist," suggesting some researchers believe technological advancement may occur faster than Kurzweil's well-known predictions.

• Detailed nootropics discussions included recommendations and warnings about specific compounds: magnesium supplementation was endorsed while phenylethylamine (PEA) and phenibut were cautioned against due to addiction potential.

• For cognitive enhancement, participants recommended specific combinations including caffeine+piracetam+vinpocetine (with cycling advice for vinpocetine), and discussed the mechanisms of various GABA analogues and NMDA antagonists.

• The Braverman neurotransmitter assessment test was critically evaluated as potentially unreliable and biased toward finding deficiencies, highlighting the community's critical approach to self-assessment tools.

• For learning and memory retention, especially for programming concepts, graduated interval recall using flashcard applications like Anki was recommended as an effective technique.