NEURALINK: THE GOOD.
Elon Musk’s tech startup, Neuralink, has commenced its first clinical trial, titled PRIME, to test brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) in humans, focusing on enabling paralyzed individuals to control computers using their thoughts. The FDA-approved, six-year study will assess the safety and functionality of the implant and surgical robot, with eligible participants receiving the N1 Implant, inserted by the R1 Robot into the brain region controlling movement intention. Neuralink’s specialized surgical robot will embed the device, consisting of multiple chips and over a thousand electrodes, to record neural activity. The implant will wirelessly transmit brain signals to an app, decoding movement intentions. Participants will attend numerous follow-ups, focusing on the system’s efficacy and participants’ progress. The company’s broader goals extend to restoring full mobility and sight. Interested individuals, meeting specific criteria, can apply through Neuralink’s website; however, compensation only covers study-related expenses. (USA Today)
NEURALINK: THE BAD AND THE UGLY.
Elon Musk’s tech startup, Neuralink, has commenced its first clinical trial, titled PRIME, to test brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) in humans, focusing on enabling paralyzed individuals to control computers using their thoughts. The FDA-approved, six-year study will assess the safety and functionality of the implant and surgical robot, with eligible participants receiving the N1 Implant, inserted by the R1 Robot into the brain region controlling movement intention. Neuralink’s specialized surgical robot will embed the device, consisting of multiple chips and over a thousand electrodes, to record neural activity. The implant will wirelessly transmit brain signals to an app, decoding movement intentions. Participants will attend numerous follow-ups, focusing on the system’s efficacy and participants’ progress. The company’s broader goals extend to restoring full mobility and sight. Interested individuals, meeting specific criteria, can apply through Neuralink’s website; however, compensation only covers study-related expenses. (Wired)
COUNTRIES RECOMMIT TO U.N. SDGs.
World leaders have pledged to intensify efforts towards the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), none of which are on track to meet the 2030 deadline. The SDGs, initiated in 2015, are lagging, with nations falling significantly short of objectives. However, a 12-page political declaration endorsed at the UN SDG Summit reaffirmed commitment to these goals as the global roadmap. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has proposed enhancing sustainable development funding by at least $500 billion, along with other financial aids, including debt relief for impoverished nations. The Global Sustainable Development Report shows the world is on course to attain only two of the 169 detailed objectives. Experts urge immediate transformative actions, emphasizing the interlinked nature of sustainable development and climate issues, and are optimistic that integrating SDGs into national policies will lead to substantial progress. (Nature)
NATURAL SELECTION IN CHINA’S AI MARKET.
China’s surge in generative artificial intelligence has sparked a “war of a hundred models”, with tech giants and startups unveiling products daily, driven by OpenAI’s ChatGPT’s success. China hosts 130 large language models (LLMs), constituting 40% of the global total. However, an imminent shakeout is predicted as many LLMs struggle with viable business models, similarity, and rising costs amidst growing US-China tensions and chip shortages. Analysts foresee consolidation and a price war, with lower capacity LLMs being eliminated in six to twelve months due to intensifying competition and restrictions. Opinions vary on surviving firms, with some favoring established tech giants like Alibaba and Tencent due to their extensive resources and user bases, while others back new startups led by experienced founders, such as Baichuan Intelligence, aiming to develop open-source AI models. Investors are becoming increasingly cautious, reevaluating early investments made during peak hype. (Reuters)
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SPIDER SILK STRONGER THAN KEVLAR.
Researchers have utilized CRISPR gene editing to enable silkworms to produce spider silk fibers, yielding a material stronger and tougher than Kevlar, potentially revolutionizing manufacturing in various sectors. This innovative material could find applications in creating robust structural elements for vehicles and aircraft, advanced medical supplies like durable sutures, and enhanced wound dressings. Spider silk’s superior properties have long been recognized, but spiders’ aggressive nature has hindered large-scale silk harvesting. By contrast, silkworms, domesticated for millennia for their silk, produce weaker fibers. The scientists inserted a small spider silk protein, MiSp, into silkworms, achieving high strength and toughness in the fibers produced. Commercial application will involve cross-breeding modified silkworms with commercial strains and overcoming potential intellectual property challenges. The team plans further enhancements to the silk, exploring proteins with nonnatural amino acids for unprecedented properties. (Science)
RESEARCH INTO NEAR-DEATH PHENOMENA.
A study in the journal Resuscitation has revealed that some cardiac arrest survivors experience awareness during resuscitation. The study involved observing the treatment of 567 patients who suffered cardiac arrest in hospitals. Of these, 53 survived, and 28 participated in interviews. Approximately 40% reported experiencing awareness during cardiac arrest. The researchers also studied brain activity during resuscitation and found that around 40% of participants had brain waves consistent with consciousness. These findings emphasize treating patients receiving CPR as if they are awake, despite the absence of a direct connection between surging brain activity and conscious experiences. The research offers significant insights but necessitates further study to comprehend the nature of consciousness and brain activity during near-death experiences fully. The phenomena reported include seeing deceased relatives and experiencing dreams, offering a profound look into the experiences of those on the brink of life and death. (Smithsonian)
DOPAMINE DECOR IS A THING.
This fall, “dopamine decor,” focusing on happiness, self-expression, color, and creativity, is a major trend in home decorating. This approach encourages individuals to decorate their spaces with personal touches and colors that make them happy, even if they clash with conventional decorating advice. The trend gained traction during the pandemic, emphasizing comfort, functionality, and personalization, with unused rooms being transformed into home offices, craft spaces, or pet-specific areas. The growing influence of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram has fueled this trend, inspiring individuals, especially Gen Z, to mix styles and create interiors that reflect their personal preferences and lifestyles. Designers are utilizing vibrant colors, artsy elements, and innovative uses of spaces to create environments that exude happiness and inspire curiosity, allowing homeowners to create their “perfect escape.” The trend highlights the shift towards more individualistic and eclectic design choices. (Associated Press)
Thanks for reading. Let’s be careful out there.
WORDS: The Biology Guy.
IMAGE CREDIT: Steve Jurvetson.