The New York Times

The brain is the most complicated object in the universe. This is the story of scientists’ quest to decode it – and read people’s minds

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 7, 2024

This is the closest science has yet come to reading someone’s mind.

Key Points: 
  • This is the closest science has yet come to reading someone’s mind.
  • As Alexander Huth, the neuroscientist who co-led the research, told the New York Times:
    This isn’t just a language stimulus.
  • In the longer term, this could lead to wider public applications such as fitbit-style health monitors for the brain and brain-controlled smartphones.
  • On January 29, Elon Musk announced that his Neuralink tech startup had implanted a chip in a human brain for the first time.

Humanity’s greatest mapping challenge

  • By fully mapping the structure and function of a healthy human brain, we can determine with great precision what goes awry in diseases of the brain and mind.
  • Similar initiatives were launched in Europe in 2013 (the Human Brain Project) and China in 2016 (the China Brain Project).
  • This daunting endeavour may still take generations to complete – but the scientific ambition of mapping and reading people’s brains dates back more than two centuries.
  • With the world having been circumnavigated many times over, Antarctica discovered and much of the planet charted, humanity was ready for a new (and even more complicated) mapping challenge – the human brain.
  • In the 1860s, “locationist” views of how the brain worked made a comeback – though the scientists leading this research were keen to distinguish their theories from phrenology.
  • French anatomist Paul Broca discovered a region of the left hemisphere responsible for producing speech – thanks in part to his patient, Louis Victor Leborgne, who at age 30 lost the ability to say anything other than the syllable “tan”.
  • This approach depends on the findings of American physiologist John Fulton almost a century ago.
  • This stronger pulse of activity was not replicated by other sensory inputs, for example when smelling tobacco or vanilla.

The first clinical trial

  • The ultimate goal is wireless, non-invasive devices that help patients communicate and move with precision in the real world.
  • In 2004, BrainGate began the first clinical trial using BCIs to enable patients with impaired motor systems (including spinal cord injuries, brainstem infarctions, locked-in syndrome and muscular dystrophy) control a computer cursor with their thoughts.
  • The team is working with academics from different backgrounds who have been engaged in projects aimed at tackling societal and scientific challenges.
  • Patient MN, a quadriplegic since being stabbed in the neck in 2001, was the trial’s first patient.
  • In addition, brain activity was linked to the patient’s prosthetic hand and robotic arm, enabling rudimentary actions including grasping and transporting an object.
  • Also in 2017, BrainGate clinical trials reported the first evidence that BCIs could be used to help patients regain movement of their own limbs by bypassing the damaged portion of the spinal cord.

A new era of ‘mind reading’ technology

  • But having been primarily envisaged as a tool for diagnostics and monitoring, it is now also a core element of the latest neural communication and prosthetic devices.
  • Despite being behaviourally non-responsive and minimally conscious, these patients were able to answer yes-or-no questions just by using their minds.
  • Now, a decade on, the HuthLab research at the University of Texas constitutes a paradigmatic shift in the evolution of communication-enabling neuroimaging systems.
  • Whereas the brain’s capacity to produce motor intentions is shared across species, the ability to produce and perceive language is uniquely human.
  • The disadvantage of fMRI is that it can only take slow measurements of brain signals (typically, one brain volume every two or three seconds).
  • They demonstrated that the system could be used not only to decode semantic content entertained through auditive perception, but also through visual perception.
  • Importantly, they also explicitly addressed the potential threat to a person’s mental privacy posed by this kind of technology.
  • We take very seriously the concerns that it could be used for bad purposes and have worked to avoid that.

The ethical implications are immense

  • Losing the ability to communicate is a deep cut to one’s sense of self.
  • The ethical implications of providing access to such data to scientific and corporate entities are potentially immense.
  • For example, Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disease that affects movement, is co-morbid with dementia, which affects the ability to reason and think clearly.
  • In line with this approach, Chile was the first country that adopted legislation to address the risks inherent to neurotechnology.
  • One of the cornerstones of ethical research is the principle of informed consent.
  • The growing availability of neurotechnology in a commercial context that is generally subject to far less regulation only amplifies these ethical and legal concerns.
  • We are at an early stage of technological development and as we begin to uncover the great potential of BCI, both for therapeutic applications and beyond, the need to consider these ethical questions and their implications for legal action becomes more pressing.

Decoding our neuro future

  • By the middle of 2021, the total investment in neurotechnology companies amounted to just over US$33 billion (around £26 million).
  • The implant is said to include 1,024 electrodes, yet is only slightly larger than the diameter of a red blood cell.
  • The Kernel Flow, for example, is a commercially available, wearable headset that uses fNRIS technology to monitor brain activity.
  • The dawn of a new era of brain-computer interfaces should be treated with great care and great respect – in acknowledgement of its immense potential to both help, and harm, our future generations.


For you: more from our Insights series:
Unlocking new clues to how dementia and Alzheimer’s work in the brain – Uncharted Brain podcast series

Freedom of thought is being threatened by states, big tech and even ourselves. Here’s what we can do to protect it

OCD is so much more than handwashing or tidying. As a historian with the disorder, here’s what I’ve learned

Noise in the brain enables us to make extraordinary leaps of imagination. It could transform the power of computers too

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Stephanie Sheir received funding from the EPSRC (grant number EP/V026518/1). Timo Istace receives funding from Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek Vlaanderen. Nicholas J. Kelley does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Internationally renowned filmmaker Rory Kennedy coming to Canada this weekend for Film Training Manitoba’s Film Master Series, Kennedy available for interviews

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 7, 2024

“Rory Kennedy is one of the world’s foremost documentary filmmakers with a stellar and exceptional body of work,” said Film Training Manitoba’s Executive Director Adam Smoluk.

Key Points: 
  • “Rory Kennedy is one of the world’s foremost documentary filmmakers with a stellar and exceptional body of work,” said Film Training Manitoba’s Executive Director Adam Smoluk.
  • He added, “This is a rare opportunity for Manitoba film professionals to learn from the very best the industry has to offer.
  • Pre-event one-on-one online interviews with Rory Kennedy are available by appointment on Thursday, February 8 from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm CST.
  • There may be the possibility that Rory Kennedy might be available for limited interviews outside this time frame by arrangement.

New Book Introduces Plan That Works Like Weight-Loss Drug Without a Prescription

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Dr. Barnard shows that certain foods actually cause weight loss, like a weight-loss medication without a prescription.

Key Points: 
  • Dr. Barnard shows that certain foods actually cause weight loss, like a weight-loss medication without a prescription.
  • The Power Foods Diet , by Balance Publishing, is available for preorder now and will be on bookshelves everywhere March 26.
  • “In reality, the best solution for reaching and maintaining a healthy weight is a low-fat plant-based diet that excludes animal products.
  • Two women who each lost 100 pounds following the plan are featured in the book.

ESPN's Jay Bilas Joins Washington Speakers Bureau as an Exclusive Speaker on Leadership, Team Building and Excellence

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 6, 2024

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Washington Speakers Bureau (WSB), the leading global agency for professional speakers, announces exclusive representation of Jay Bilas, the ESPN college basketball analyst, bestselling author, and attorney.

Key Points: 
  • WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Washington Speakers Bureau (WSB), the leading global agency for professional speakers, announces exclusive representation of Jay Bilas, the ESPN college basketball analyst, bestselling author, and attorney.
  • Jay Bilas is one of the most respected and influential voices in college basketball.
  • As a speaker, Jay Bilas draws on his rich and varied experiences to deliver engaging and insightful presentations on topics such as leadership, teamwork, resilience, and excellence.
  • "We are delighted to have Jay Bilas join WSB" said Ryan Heil, President of the Washington Speakers Bureau.

Convergence launches a cross-partisan action plan to support families with young children in America

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 6, 2024

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Convergence Center for Policy Resolution released a new Blueprint for Action with consensus solutions for tackling deep challenges facing American families with young children. The Blueprint release will be accompanied by a public reception on Capitol Hill tonight featuring remarks from Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). The process of this Collaborative was featured in The New York Times article, by Jessica Grose, 'Couples Therapy', but for Politics.

Key Points: 
  • Bringing together 32 diverse leaders in family policy, the Convergence Collaborative on Supports for Working Families released recommendations for federal policymakers, states, employers, and philanthropy to support families across party lines.
  • WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Convergence Center for Policy Resolution released a new Blueprint for Action with consensus solutions for tackling deep challenges facing American families with young children.
  • Convergence served as a neutral convenor for the Convergence Collaborative on Supports for Working Families .
  • "Parenthood in America is increasingly challenging, and the urgency to support our nation's working families cannot be overstated," said Convergence Interim CEO and seasoned consensus-builder, Mariah Levison.

Stagwell's (STGW) Sport Beach Activation Will Return to Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2024 with Icons Megan Rapinoe, Sue Bird, Carmelo Anthony, Hélio Castroneves, Justin Jefferson and More Confirmed to Attend

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 5, 2024

NEW YORK and CANNES, France, Feb. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW), the challenger network built to transform marketing, unveiled today the initial athlete and brand partners confirmed to activate at Sport Beach 2024 (June 17–20), the flagship sports business destination at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity (Cannes Lions). In 2023, Sport Beach was built for brands, platforms and athletes to tap into the cultural zeitgeist of sport and explore the power of fandom. It was the first time these groups converged at Cannes Lions to explore the dynamic culture of sports business, and to great success – with nearly 40 athletes and drawing over 5,000 people.

Key Points: 
  • Sport Beach 2024, which moves to La Plage du Festival, will build on last year's success at Cannes Lions.
  • As part of this track, Sue and Megan will host a live edition of their podcast "A Touch More" from Sport Beach.
  • These discussions and activations at Sport Beach reflect a broader trend of athletes venturing into entrepreneurship, specifically within lifestyle industries.
  • Justin Jefferson (football) – A renowned NFL wide receiver and budding icon, Justin Jefferson has quickly become a household name.

Join a Community of Readers Worldwide this Season and Make Interactive Read-Alouds with Authors a Weekly Routine with Scholastic's Storyvoice

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 5, 2024

NEW YORK, Feb. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Scholastic today announced the full spring schedule of programming from Storyvoice, the Company's digital home of live read alouds, including an all-star lineup of seven events with authors on February 7th in celebration of World Read Aloud Day®—the global holiday created by LitWorld® and sponsored by Scholastic. Every Storyvoice event is free to attend and will feature multiple interaction segments where kids at home or in classrooms can read, draw, and connect with their favorite books, creators, and each other.

Key Points: 
  • To learn more about Storyvoice and view the platform's full schedule of interactive read-aloud events this season, visit: storyvoice.scholastic.com .
  • A free, online destination delivering weekly interactive events with award-winning authors and illustrators, Storyvoice offers engaging, innovative literacy programming for classrooms and families alike throughout the school year.
  • In 2023, the platform had over 400,000 total viewers, including more than 12,000 classrooms.
  • To view the full World Read Aloud Day lineup from Scholastic and join each live author show, visit: https://www.scholastic.com/worldreadaloudday .

Elmo’s check-in: Iconic brands and influencer culture create a viral post

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 5, 2024

Elmo’s post garnered over 200 million views, 18,000 replies and has been reposted by users over 58,000 times.

Key Points: 
  • Elmo’s post garnered over 200 million views, 18,000 replies and has been reposted by users over 58,000 times.
  • Elmo’s post went viral because the character registers with platform users due to the power of Sesame Street as an iconic brand in popular culture.
  • With a social media presence, characters like Elmo are well-suited to produce a viral, meme-fuelled moment that captures public attention.
  • Read more:
    Barbie isn't just a movie star now — she's also a virtual social media influencer

An iconic brand

  • They become iconic because we can connect on a personal level with them.
  • Since debuting in 1969, Sesame Street has grown into a major iconic brand.
  • All of these examples highlight Elmo and Sesame Street’s iconic brand that clearly still registers with social media users.

Elmo’s brand on social media

  • Holt explains that in order for a brand to remain iconic, they need constant upkeep.
  • Characters and brands like Elmo and Sesame Street now require a social media presence.
  • Like all fictional characters, Elmo’s X account is, of course, organized by a social media manager.

Memes and branding

  • The viral sensation of Elmo’s post demonstrates the power of memetics, a concept that explains how memes are created and why they circulate across social media.
  • Memes are a powerful and very important tool of communication for internet users.
  • Memes give users a visual language that is easily relatable and replicated.


Aidan Moir has previously received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis Announces Four-Year Contract Extension for Principal Conductor Daniela Candillari

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 1, 2024

St. Louis, MO, Feb. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL) announced the continuation of the creative partnership between Principal Conductor Daniela Candillari and Opera Theatre of Saint Louis.

Key Points: 
  • St. Louis, MO, Feb. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL) announced the continuation of the creative partnership between Principal Conductor Daniela Candillari and Opera Theatre of Saint Louis.
  • “Since joining OTSL as Principal Conductor, St. Louis has become a musical home for me,” said Candillari.
  • “Opera is vital and vibrant here thanks to the love and dedication of a community of artists, supporters, staff, and volunteers.
  • In her latest 2023-24 season, Candillari conducted Rene Orth’s 10 Days in a Madhouse at Opera Philadelphia.

CNBC’s Lori Ann LaRocco Launches New Book Documenting Four American Families Who Rose Above Slavery and Discrimination

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 30, 2024

These families generously shared their stories, recounting the trials faced by their forebears, the values imparted through generations, and the indomitable spirit that prevailed.

Key Points: 
  • These families generously shared their stories, recounting the trials faced by their forebears, the values imparted through generations, and the indomitable spirit that prevailed.
  • The book meticulously chronicles their lives, underscoring the importance of African Americans fostering unity as a means to stand together and honor their shared heritage.
  • “Embracing Your Past” is her sixth published book, which details the dark history of global trade- slavery.
  • “Embracing Your Past to Empower Your Future takes readers on a journey into the unvarnished truth of our American history.