Latest news with #DefenseAdvancedResearchProjectsAgency
NDTV
14 hours ago
- Health
- NDTV
Universal Artificial Blood For All Types In Clinical Trials, Could Save Millions
In a medical breakthrough that could save millions of lives, Japanese researchers have started clinical trials to explore the effectiveness and safety of universal artificial blood. Led by Professor Hiromi Sakai at Nara Medical University, the artificial blood, usable for all blood types, could have a shelf life of up to two years. If successful, it could transform the emergency medicare system across the globe. Their approach involves extracting haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying molecule in red blood cells, from expired donor blood. It is then encased in a protective shell to create stable, virus-free artificial red blood cells, according to a report in Newsweek. Unlike donated blood, these artificial cells have no blood type, eliminating the need for compatibility testing and making them invaluable in emergencies. Notably, donated blood has a shelf life of just 42 days, and even then, there is not enough of it, and requires compatibility amongst different blood groups. For the trial, the researchers administered 100 to 400 millilitres of the artificial blood to 16 healthy adult volunteers in March. If the test safety and efficacy are achieved, the researchers are hoping for practical use by 2030, making Japan the first country in the world to deploy artificial blood for real-world medical care. "The need for artificial blood cells is significant as there is currently no safe substitute for red cells," said Professor Sakai. Social media reacts Reacting to the start of the clinical trials, social media users marvelled at the potential implications with some claiming it was a Nobel Prize-winning endeavour, if it was a success. "If true, and not inordinately expensive, this is going to be completely transformational," said one user, while another added: "If it is safe, this is worth a Nobel Prize." A third commented: "Japanese scientists are really doing the most between this, regrowing teeth, and the shots that make cats live longer. Really hope this stuff makes it worldwide." Notably, the US has been developing ErythroMer (made from 'recycled' haemoglobin) for the past few years, and has already started pre-clinical testing. Last year, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) announced a Rs 394 crore ($46 million) grant to a University of Maryland-led consortium to develop a shelf-stable, field-deployable whole blood substitute with ErythroMer as its core.
CNBC
28-04-2025
- Business
- CNBC
Microsoft says U.S. can't afford falling behind China in quantum computers
The U.S. cannot afford to fall behind China in the race to a working quantum computer, Microsoft President Brad Smith wrote Monday. President Donald Trump and the U.S. government need to prioritize funding for quantum research, or China could surpass the U.S., endangering economic competitiveness and security, Smith wrote. "While most believe that the United States still holds the lead position, we cannot afford to rule out the possibility of a strategic surprise or that China may already be at parity with the United States," Smith wrote. "Simply put, the United States cannot afford to fall behind, or worse, lose the race entirely." Microsoft's position is the latest sign that research into quantum computing is starting to heat up among big tech companies and investors who are looking for the next technology that could rival the artificial intelligence boom. Smith is calling for the Trump administration to increase funding for quantum research, renew the National Quantum Initiative Act and expand a program for testing quantum computers by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA. The Microsoft executive is also calling on the White House to expand the educational pipeline of people who have the math and science skills to work on quantum machines, fast-track immigration for Ph.D.s with quantum skills and for the government to buy more quantum-related computer parts to build a U.S. supply chain. Microsoft did not detail how China surpassing the U.S. in quantum computing technology would endanger national security, but a National Security Agency official last year discussed what could happen if China or another adversary surprised the U.S. by building a quantum computer first. The official, NSA Director of Research Gil Herrera, said that if such a "black swan" event happened, banks might not be able to keep transactions private because a quantum computer could crack their encryption, according to the Washington Times. A working quantum computer could also crack existing encrypted data that is usually shared publicly in a scrambled fashion, which could reveal secrets on U.S. nuclear weapon systems. In February, Microsoft announced its latest quantum chip called Majorana, claiming that it invented a new kind of matter to develop the prototype device. Last year, Google announced Willow, a new device the company claimed was a "milestone" because it was able to correct errors and solve a math problem in five minutes that would have taken longer than the age of the universe on a traditional computer. While the computers people are used to use bits that are either 0 or 1 to do calculations, quantum computers use "qubits," which end up being on or off based on probability. Experts say that quantum computers will eventually be useful for problems with nearly infinite possibilities, such as simulating chemistry, or routing deliveries. But the current quantum computers are far away from that point, and many computer industry participants say it could take decades for quantum computers to reach their potential. Microsoft's chip, Majorana, has eight qubits, but the company says it has a goal of least 1 million qubits for a commercially useful chip. Microsoft needs to build a device with a few hundred qubits before the company starts looking at whether it's reliable enough for customers.
Forbes
20-04-2025
- Health
- Forbes
The Meshing Of Minds And Machines Has Arrived
Brain computer interface in transhumanism connected hybrid mind Examining the mesh between humans and machines provides insight into the future. Science is already making significant progress in the development of brain/computer interface (BCI) technologies, such as brain mapping and neuromorphic circuits. A system that connects the brain directly to an external device is known as a brain-computer interface. These technologies gather brain impulses using sensors implanted in assistive devices, then use those signals to power external equipment. This implies that the conversion of brain impulses into various actions or even commands occurs without requiring human movement. BCIs then rely on brain activity that is recorded by a sensor and typically converted into digital form so that devices can interpret it. The goal of neuromorphic computing with BCI is to mimic the brain's energy efficiency and processing capacity. To achieve this, the system architecture must be redesigned to allow for in-memory computing (IMC), and electronic devices that simulate the actions of synapses and neurons must be created. Artificial intelligence, conceptual image. Neuromorphic Development BCIs have over a hundred years of history. Hans Berger discovered the brain's electrical activity in 1924. The first EEG recordings of brain waves were produced as a result of his investigations, which used electrodes to record electrical activity from the human scalp. He accomplished the first non-invasive BCI-assisted robot control in 1988. Cyberkinetics' BrainGate project successfully controlled a prosthetic hand in 2005. A comprehensive timeline of BCI can be found at: The history of Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) - Timeline - RoboticsBiz In 2018, research funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) proved that a person with a brain chip could pilot a swarm of drones using signals from the brain. There have been various studies and experiments since then, and no doubt, science combining neural networks and artificial intelligence is on a path to enhance and even upgrade human cognitive capabilities. We could implant nanochips into our brains in the future to enhance our cognitive abilities and enable intelligent data uploads. Advancements in brain/computer interface technologies are progressing rapidly in 2025. There is a breakthrough that is impacting the meshing of mind and machine. When used unconventionally, a single, conventional silicon transistor can simulate a biological neuron and synapse, according to research from the National University of Singapore (NUS). This study, led by Associate Professor Mario Lanza of NUS's College of Design and Engineering's Department of Materials Science and Engineering, suggests scalable, energy-efficient hardware for artificial neural networks (ANNs). "We need hardware that is both scalable and energy-efficient to enable true neuromorphic computing, where microchips behave like biological neurons and synapses," Professor Lanza stated. The Neuralink logo on a laptop arranged in New York, US, on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. Elon Musk said ... More that the first human patient has received a brain implant from his startup Neuralink Corp., a significant step forward for the company that aims to one day let humans control computers with their minds. Photographer: Gabby Jones/Bloomberg Elon Musk has been a pioneer in the neuromorphic field. The core business that develops Elon Musk's brain-computer interface (BCI) technology is Neuralink, which he created in 2016. To improve human potential and restore freedom for people with disabilities, Neuralink is developing implanted brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that allow direct brain-to-computer communication. To help people with paralysis, the technique uses a surgical robot to implant gadgets in the brain. The procedure allows users to operate computers or other equipment with their thoughts. A 30-year-old man from Arizona, USA, named Noland Arbaugh became the first person to receive a brain chip implant from Neuralink, marking a significant milestone in neurotechnology. After a diving accident in 2016, Arbaugh suffered a paralysis below the shoulders. The BBC claimed that since receiving the chip in January 2024, the outcomes have been nothing short of remarkable. Arbaugh is now able to use a brain-computer interface (BCI) to operate a computer with just his thoughts thanks to this technology. Recalling his early battles with paralysis, he remarked, "You just have no control, no privacy, and it's hard." However, he was able to control a computer cursor after the surgery by simply considering moving his fingers. An article in Frontiers in Science, which involved cooperation between scientists, institutes, and academics, further highlights the promise of the human-computer interface. "We can imagine the possibilities of what may come next with the human brain machine interface," the conclusion reads. Neural nanorobotics-based human brain-computer interface systems could boost human intelligence and learning by giving people quick access to all the knowledge available in the cloud. Furthermore, it could elevate fully immersive virtual and augmented reality to previously unheard-of heights, allowing users to express themselves more completely and have more meaningful experiences. By addressing new difficulties for the human species, these improvements may help humanity adjust to emerging artificial intelligence systems and human augmentation technologies. * Please see Frontiers | Interface between Human Brain and Cloud ( Additionally, there is hope for a quantum brain made of intelligent material that can change physically to learn. In their pursuit of this "quantum brain," physicists have made significant progress. They have shown that they can replicate the independent actions of neurons and synapses in the brain as well as pattern and link a network of individual atoms. Refer to The Initial Steps Toward a Quantum Brain: An Intelligent Substance That Acquires Knowledge by Changing Itself Physically ( Future applications of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) may enable instant communication, thought transfers, dream recording, and AI-consciousness integration. While these advancements hold potential for human augmentation, they also raise significant ethical concerns related to cyborg rights and the regulation of super AI. Additionally, cybersecurity and privacy issues are critical, as BCIs directly interact with brain impulses and could be susceptible to misuse or compromise. As this technology becomes more widespread, protecting user data and ensuring ethical usage will become increasingly imperative. Human-machine interaction is here, despite technological, security, and ethical challenges. It will shape our future and could define the Fifth Industrial Revolution. The key will be steering its applications with a focus on a positive impact that enhances lives.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
DARPA Tried Using the Earth's Atmosphere as a Giant Sensor and Detected Something Interesting
While trying to determine if it could use the entire Earth's atmosphere as a massive sensor, the US military's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) made a highly unusual detection. The agency — which has overseen the development of cutting-edge military technologies and out-there concepts for decades — encountered the distant signature of a SpaceX Falcon 9 reentering the atmosphere during a test in New Mexico last year. The goal of DARPA's AtmoSense program, which kicked off in late 2020, is to determine whether acoustic and electromagnetic waves propagating through the Earth's atmosphere could allow the US military to detect and locate major events and disturbances, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, across the planet. The idea is to eventually hone in on the location of illicit underground explosions or "other national security-relevant events" — highly relevant data for the US military. And according to a recent DARPA statement, the program works surprisingly well. In 2024, DARPA conducted two field tests in New Mexico, detonating six 1-ton and 10-ton controlled explosions to test the concept. The agency found that AtmoSense models accurately predicted these blasts, giving credence to the idea of using the atmosphere as a massive sensor. But while DARPA scientists were poring over the data, they found a strange and unexpected disturbance. "As the team was looking at the data, they saw a huge drop in what's called total electron content that puzzled them," said AtmoSense program manager Michael Nayak in the blurb. Nayak used a simple analogy to explain what had happened. "Imagine that you have water going through a hose," he explained. "That's a flow of electrons, and if you put your fist in front of the hose, you'll notice a significant drop in water volume coming out of the hose." The apparently culprit? They realized the drop in electron content correlated to a Falcon 9 rocket reentering on the same day as the controlled New Mexico blasts. "Then they decided to pull other SpaceX reentry data, across dozens of launches, to see if they could spot a similar electron drop," said Nayak. "The phenomenon is highly repeatable. We discovered an unplanned new technique for identifying objects entering the earth's atmosphere." According to the program manager, its latest tests prove that the system works, potentially giving the US military a potent detection system. "High-resolution surface-to-space simulation of acoustic waves was considered impossible before the program began, but we accomplished it," he said. "We can now model across six orders of magnitude, in 3D, what happens to the energy emanating from a small, meters-scale disturbance as it expands up into the atmosphere to propagate over thousands of kilometers, and potentially around the world," Nayak added. More on DARPA: DARPA Requests Plans for "Large Bio-Mechanical Space Structures"
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
DARPA accidentally detects SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket reentry by listening to Earth's atmosphere
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Researchers with the U.S. military's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) have successfully used Earth's atmosphere as a sensor to detect a distant disturbance. DARPA's AtmoSense program aims to study how sound waves or electromagnetic frequencies travel through Earth's atmosphere, and to find ways to use these waves as a "global sensor" to detect and pinpoint disturbances such as earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. But researchers with the AtmoSense program found that, when studying waves created by controlled explosions in New Mexico, they were also able to detect atmospheric disturbances created by a Space Falcon 9 rocket reentry. "The phenomenon is highly repeatable," said Michael Nayak, AtmoSense program manager, in a DARPA statement. "We discovered an unplanned new technique for identifying objects entering the earth's atmosphere." Nayak explained that the technique works by measuring flows of electrons in the atmosphere, comparing them to water streaming from a hose. "That's a flow of electrons, and if you put your fist in front of the hose, you'll notice a significant drop in water volume coming out of the hose," Nayak said in the statement. Once the team noticed the dip in electron content, they were able to pinpoint its location and determine that it correlated with a Falcon 9 reentry the same day. The data showed that the AtmoSesne project can detect more than just ground-based disturbances like earthquakes, but also those that take place in air or space that are "of interest to national security," DARPA wrote in the statement. RELATED STORIES: — What is DARPA? — DARPA picks Northrop Grumman to develop 'lunar railroad' concept — DARPA wants new ideas for space weapons Researchers with the program are planning a virtual workshop in April to share their progress with both the scientific and national security communities and to explore potential applications for AtmoSense. DARPA's aim for the program is to be eventually be able to sense atmospheric waves created from events anywhere in the world.
