# Key Points from the ##hplusroadmap IRC Discussion

• Cognito Therapeutics (co-founded by Ed Boyden) presented a promising Alzheimer's treatment using non-invasive 40 Hz stimulation to restore gamma oscillations, which activates microglia cells to remove beta amyloid plaques, as documented in a Nature publication.

• Participants explored hibernation-like states as an alternative to traditional cryonics, discussing how hibernating mammals reduce metabolic rates to approximately 10% without muscle wasting, potentially offering a way to slow aging while awaiting more advanced life extension technologies.

• The group debated the viability of cryopreservation techniques, highlighting challenges including rapid cooling requirements, proper cryoprotectant delivery, and preserving neural structures without protein denaturation, with some suggesting selective breeding experiments to improve resuscitation outcomes.

• Researchers discussed DEC2 gene mutations that reduce sleep requirements to 4-5 hours, noting that sleep regulation appears to involve general transcription mechanisms rather than specific brain areas, while also examining how dolphins maintain cognitive performance during extended periods without conventional sleep.

• The conversation explored cognitive enhancement substances like Sunifiram, which may enhance imagination by activating PKC alpha and affecting AMPA/NMDA receptors in the hippocampus, potentially improving visualization abilities.

• A philosophical discussion emerged about the relationship between ethics and science, particularly regarding the use of unethically obtained data, alongside a critique of bioethics practitioners who "don't understand science but talk about it anyway."

• Participants compared different transhumanist communities, noting that LessWrong, while having "transhumanist leanings," tends to focus more on literary and academic discussions rather than practical technology development, with particular emphasis on existential risk.