Brain-computer interfaces are a groundbreaking technology that can help paralyzed people regain functions theyve lost, like moving a hand. These devices record signals from the brain and decipher the users intended action, bypassing damaged or degraded nerves that would normally transmit those brain signals to control muscles.Since 2006, demonstrations of brain-computer interfaces in humans have primarily focused on restoring arm and hand movements by enabling people to control computer cursors or robotic arms. Recently, researchers have begun developing speech brain-computer interfaces to restore communication for people who cannot speak.As the user attempts to talk, these brain-computer interfaces record the persons unique brain signals associated with attempted muscle movements for speaking and then translate them into words. These words can then be displayed as text on a screen or spoken aloud using text-to-speech software.Im a reseacher in the Neuroprosthetics Lab at the University of California, Davis, which is part of the BrainGate2 clinical trial. My colleagues and I recently demonstrated a speech brain-computer interface that deciphers the attempted speech of a man with ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrigs disease. The interface converts neural signals into text with over 97% accuracy. Key to our system is a set of artificial intelligence language models artificial neural networks that help interpret natural ones.Recording brain signalsThe first step in our speech brain-computer interface is recording brain signals. There are several sources of brain signals, some of which require surgery to record. Surgically implanted recording devices can capture high-quality brain signals because they are placed closer to neurons, resulting in stronger signals with less interference. These neural recording devices include grids of electrodes placed on the brains surface or electrodes implanted directly into brain tissue.In our study, we used electrode arrays surgically placed in the speech motor cortex, the part of the brain that controls muscles related to speech, of the participant, Casey Harrell. We recorded neural activity from 256 electrodes as Harrell attempted to speak.An array of 64 electrodes that embed into brain tissue records neural signals. UC Davis HealthDecoding brain signalsThe next challenge is relating the complex brain signals to the words the user is trying to say.One approach is to map neural activity patterns directly to spoken words. This method requires recording brain signals corresponding to each word multiple times to identify the average relationship between neural activity and specific words. While this strategy works well for small vocabularies, as demonstrated in a 2021 study with a 50-word vocabulary, it becomes impractical for larger ones. Imagine asking the brain-computer interface user to try to say every word in the dictionary multiple timesit could take months, and it still wouldnt work for new words.Instead, we use an alternative strategy: mapping brain signals to phonemes, the basic units of sound that make up words. In English, there are 39 phonemes, including ch, er, oo, pl and sh, that can be combined to form any word. We can measure the neural activity associated with every phoneme multiple times just by asking the participant to read a few sentences aloud. By accurately mapping neural activity to phonemes, we can assemble them into any English word, even ones the system wasnt explicitly trained with.To map brain signals to phonemes, we use advanced machine learning models. These models are particularly well-suited for this task due to their ability to find patterns in large amounts of complex data that would be impossible for humans to discern. Think of these models as super-smart listeners that can pick out important information from noisy brain signals, much like you might focus on a conversation in a crowded room. Using these models, we were able to decipher phoneme sequences during attempted speech with over 90% accuracy. From phonemes to wordsOnce we have the deciphered phoneme sequences, we need to convert them into words and sentences. This is challenging, especially if the deciphered phoneme sequence isnt perfectly accurate. To solve this puzzle, we use two complementary types of machine learning language models.The first is n-gram language models, which predict which word is most likely to follow a set of n words. We trained a 5-gram, or five-word, language model on millions of sentences to predict the likelihood of a word based on the previous four words, capturing local context and common phrases. For example, after I am very good, it might suggest today as more likely than potato. Using this model, we convert our phoneme sequences into the 100 most likely word sequences, each with an associated probability.The second is large language models, which power AI chatbots and also predict which words most likely follow others. We use large language models to refine our choices. These models, trained on vast amounts of diverse text, have a broader understanding of language structure and meaning. They help us determine which of our 100 candidate sentences makes the most sense in a wider context.By carefully balancing probabilities from the n-gram model, the large language model and our initial phoneme predictions, we can make a highly educated guess about what the brain-computer interface user is trying to say. This multistep process allows us to handle the uncertainties in phoneme decoding and produce coherent, contextually appropriate sentences.How the UC Davis speech brain-computer interface deciphers neural activity and turns them into words. UC Davis HealthReal-world benefitsIn practice, this speech decoding strategy has been remarkably successful. Weve enabled Casey Harrell, a man with ALS, to speak with over 97% accuracy using just his thoughts. This breakthrough allows him to easily converse with his family and friends for the first time in years, all in the comfort of his own home.Speech brain-computer interfaces represent a significant step forward in restoring communication. As we continue to refine these devices, they hold the promise of giving a voice to those who have lost the ability to speak, reconnecting them with their loved ones and the world around them.However, challenges remain, such as making the technology more accessible, portable and durable over years of use. Despite these hurdles, speech brain-computer interfaces are a powerful example of how science and technology can come together to solve complex problems and dramatically improve peoples lives.Nicholas Card is a postdoctoral fellow of neuroscience and neuroengineering at the University of California, Davis.This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Did you miss last week's deadline? Don't worry, you have four more days to submit your Dezeen Awards China 2024 entries before the late entry deadline this Friday 30 August.The late entry deadline for Dezeen Awards China 2024, in partnership with Bentley, is 30 August at 23:59 Beijing time.Submit your project before then for a final chance to win! The clock is ticking.Entry feesFees to enter are now 2,100 RMB per category entry for individuals and companies with 10 employees or fewer, and 4,200 RMB per category entry for companies with more than 10 employees.Entries close at 23:59 Beijing time on Friday 30 August and there will be no extension to the deadline.Visit our prices and dates page Enter now!With just four days to go until the late entry deadline, we've put together a three-step guide to make sure you submit your projects on time:1) Visit the enter page on Dezeen Awards China website to sign up. After this, you will receive a confirmation email containing your entry form links as well as payment information.2) Pay the entry fee via bank transfer and save a screenshot for proof of payment.3) Fill out the entry form via the entry link and submit before the deadline.It is important to note that the bank account in the confirmation email only accepts domestic transfers in RMB. For companies located in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan that require direct overseas remittance, please send an email to awardschina@dezeen.com. We will provide you with an alternative payment method.Visit our entry information page for the full details Need help with your entry?If you have any questions about Dezeen Awards China, please email awardschina@dezeen.com or send a message to our WeChat account DezeenCN and someone from the team will get back to you.Remember to also subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date with the latest Dezeen Awards China news.Dezeen Awards China 2024 in partnership with BentleyDezeen Awards China is the first regional edition of Dezeen Awards which celebrates the best architecture, interiors and design in China. The annual awards programme is in partnership with Bentley as part of a wider collaboration to inspire, support and champion design excellence and showcase innovation that creates a better and more sustainable world. This ambition complements Bentley's architecture and design business initiatives, including the Bentley Home range of furnishings and real estate projects around the world.The post Final chance! Dezeen Awards China 2024 late entry closes on 30 August appeared first on Dezeen.

In the heart of the tropics, where the dense forest meets a serene lake, stands an architectural marvel that feels plucked from the pages of a fairytale the Blue Water Lily Villa. This design, a testament to the brilliance of its creator, captures the essence of biomimicry, echoing the delicate beauty of a water lily while remaining entirely practical and constructible. The villa is a perfect blend of nature-inspired elegance and modern functionality.Designer:Thilina LiyanageThe Blue Water Lily Villa is composed of two stunning two-story structures, both offering direct access to the lake, making it an idyllic retreat for nature lovers. These villas, seemingly floating on the waters edge, draw immediate attention with their unique design, inspired by the layers of a blooming water lily. Just as the petals of a lily unfold, revealing intricate layers beneath, these villas are carefully nestled within an array of petal-like structures that rise gracefully from the landscape.Upon entering the villa, the lower level reveals a welcoming space designed for communal living. The open-plan layout seamlessly integrates the living and dining areas, creating a spacious and airy environment. The kitchen, though modest, is thoughtfully designed to cater to essential needs, reinforcing the villas focus on simplicity and harmony with nature.One of the most striking features of the lower level is the way the living and dining areas open up to a small, intimate pool. This pool offers a refreshing escape, with the tranquil lake providing a breathtaking backdrop. Its a space where one can truly immerse themselves in the natural surroundings, taking in the soothing sounds of water and the gentle rustling of leaves.Ascending the stairs leads to the villas upper level, where the bedroom awaitsa cozy sanctuary that exudes warmth and tranquility. The ambient lighting adds to the rooms intimate atmosphere, making it a perfect place to unwind. From here, the space extends to outdoor cantilevered seating, offering an elevated perspective of the natural beauty surrounding the villa.The outermost and lowest of the villas petals are constructed from metal frames covered in a sturdy fabric, giving them a soft, organic appearance. At night, the villa transforms as soft pink uplights cast a magical glow onto these fabric petals, bringing the entire structure to life, much like a water lily illuminated by the moonlight.The upper villas structure is composed of prefabricated metal elements, which continue the theme of delicate, petal-like forms. These elements are designed to be thin and see-through, evoking the fragile beauty of a water lilys petals. The primary structural components within the villa, likely made from locally sourced bamboo, further reinforce the villas connection to its environment. This choice of material not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also underscores the villas commitment to sustainability, making it a model of eco-friendly design.The post Experience Living In Nature By Blending Into It With This Luxurious Nature-Inspired Villa first appeared on Yanko Design.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will let you get puzzle hints by snapping a picture of the offending ancient contraption."Players should never get stuck in this gamethen we have failed."

It still feels savage today.

Mother's Day is around the corner. Here are 50+ thoughtful gifts she'll love

Durov has reportedly been detained in France over Telegram's alleged failure to adequately moderate illegal content on the messaging app. His arrest sparked backlash and left some associates asking, what now?

In a new frontier for deep brain stimulation, researchers used A.I. to develop individualized algorithms, which helped a skateboarder and other patients with Parkinsons disease.

MacworldThe coolest thing you can get today is a 4-pack of Apple AirTags, especially since theyre down to $80 right now, a 19 percent discount from the original $99 MSRP. These little gadgets will make your life so much easier and keep your stuff safewhether youre away at school or just have a habit of leaving things behind.We reviewed the AirTag and gave the little tracker a four-star rating, noting the shockingly small design, removable battery, and ease of setup: Apples AirTag trackers fill a hole in the Find My app with the ease and elegance youd expect from Apple. It doesnt reinvent the wheel, but at $29 with ultra-wideband tracking, seamless setup, and free engraving, the AirTag is as close to an impulse buy as youre going to get for an Apple device, our review reads.The AirTags will easily allow you to keep track of your belongings by simply accessing the Find My app. You can even ask Siri for assistance and make use of the built-in speaker to play a sound. Thats pretty much perfect for all those mornings when you cant find your keys.This deal on this Apple AirTag 4-pack is the perfect moment to get yourself a pack or two of these smart devices and save yourself a lot of daily headaches. The Apple AirTag 4 Pack is only $80 right now at Amazon, so hurry up and place it in your cart.This 4-pack of AirTags is only $80 right nowGet it at Amazon

Last week, Microsoft released a security patch that is supposed to fix CVE-2022-2601, a two-year-old vulnerability in the GRUB bootloader.However, something went wrong with the update and as a result, Linux-based systems refuse to boot on computers with dual operating systems.When users try to boot the system, they get an error message saying Verifying shim SBAT data failed: Security Policy Violation. Something has gone seriously wrong: SBAT self-check failed: Security Policy Violation.According to Microsoft, the bug only affects older versions of Linux-based operating systems, but apparently it has also affected the latest versions of Debian, Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Zorin OS and Puppy Linux.Fortunately, while waiting for an official fix, it is possible to work around the problem by temporarily turning off Secure Boot, opening the terminal and deleting the SBAT policy with the sudo mokutil -set-sbat-policy delete command. After rebooting, you should turn Secure Boot back on, Ars Technica reports.