Latest news with #braincomputerinterface
ABC News
6 days ago
- Automotive
- ABC News
Is Snapchat's My AI a safe space or a slippery slope for teens?
Snapchat's new AI chatbot is already raising alarms among teens and parents, with poor privacy features and no access to parental guardrails without paying for a premium subscription, is this feature really as dangerous as it sounds? Also, major automakers are cancelling their upcoming electric vehicle launches in the US - what does this mean for us here in Australia? And unlike Elon Musk's brain-computer interface, Synchron's doesn't require open-skull surgery, and it has an OpenAI chatbot baked in. Is this a win for disability tech? Or the first step towards a Terminator-like revolution? Plus, how do you stop an AI model turning Nazi? What does the Grok drama reveal about how we train our large language models? And is there a better way to be doing it? GUESTS: Tobias Venus , technology and travel journalist technology and travel journalist Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson, Future Economies reporter for the Australian Associated Press This episode of Download This Show was made on Gadigal land and in Meanjin. Technical production by Ann-Marie Debettencour and Allyse Symons.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Cells: Hemostemix ACP-01 Provides the Scientific Basis for Improving the Longevity and Signal Uptake of Brain Computer Implants
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - July 31, 2025) - Hemostemix (TSXV: HEM) (OTCQB: HMTXF) (FSE: 2VF0) ("Hemostemix" or the "Company") is excited to highlight a groundbreaking research article published in Cells on June 29, 2025, by Fraser C. Henderson Sr. and Ms. Kelly Tuchman, exploring how a combination of the patient's own ACP-01 and NCP-01 (autologous blood-derived cell precursors) may support the long-term performance of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). Key Scientific Insights The Challenge with BCIs: Inflammation, scarring, and programmed cell death undermine performance over timeImplantable electrodes within the brain have enabled remarkable achievements—e.g., paralyzed individuals playing chess and blind individuals recognizing letters. However, these devices often fail between six months and one year. The longest BCI in use lasted seven years. Even then, issues like inflammation, scarring, and programmed cell death (apoptosis) undermine performance over time. Hemostemix's Innovative Cell-Based SolutionThe article proposes using two types of autologous (patient-derived) progenitor cells: Angiogenic Cell Precursors (ACP-01, VesCell™) and Neural Cell Precursors (NCP-01), delivered into the cerebrospinal fluid, to foster a healing cellular environment around the implant. ACP-01 (VesCell™) produces signals like IL-8, VEGF, and angiogenin. They attract natural killer (NK) cells that suppress inflammation, reduce tissue scarring, and support new blood vessel growth (angiogenesis). ACP-01potentiate healing through the expression of tissue regeneration factors CXCL8, VEGF, and angiogenin. They include CD34+ (blood stem cell). CXCL8 recruit endogenous CD34+, that circulate peripherally, to the site of implant. CXCL8 (interleukin-8) activate NF-κB, resulting in gene transcription and protein synthesis necessary for learning (memory formation and consolidation). NCP- 01express receptors like CXCR4, and migrate toward the BCI site. NCP help shift immune cells into a neuroprotective (M2) state. NCP differentiate into neurons and supporting glial cells that promote new synaptic connections and neural plasticity. Figure 1. Natural Killer (NK) cells recruited by angiogenic cell precursors (ACPs) suppress inflammation through the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines, dendritic cell and monocyte maturation, and lysis of auto-aggressive T cells. Created in BioRender. Tuchman, K. (2025) view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Figure 2. Angiogenic cell precursors (ACPs) potentiate healing through expression of tissue regeneration factors such as the chemokine interleukin-8 (CXCL8), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiogenin. In addition to the robust presence of CD34+ in ACPs, the expressed CXCL8 recruits peripheral CD34+ precursor cells, further supporting angiogenesis. Created by BioRender. Tuchman, K. (2025) view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Figure 3. Interleukin-8 (CXCL8) is expressed by angiogenic cell precursors (ACPs), and activatesthe canonical NF-κB pathway, resulting in gene transcription and protein synthesis necessary formemory formation and consolidation. Created in BioRender. Tuchman, K. (2025) view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Mechanism of Action Together, ACP and NCP support a cascade of beneficial molecular events: Activation of neurotrophic factors and NF-κB pathways that protect cells (anti-apoptosis). Promotion of synaptogenesis (formation of connections between neurons), neuritogenesis (growth of neural processes), to improve learning-related plasticity. As the patient's DNA-based engineered cellular environment, ACP and NCP home to the site of BCI, decrease inflammation, increase angiogenesis, increase neuro-protectiveness, promote new synaptic connections, and may dramatically extend both the lifespan of BCI, signal fidelity and learning. Why This Matters to Hemostemix Hemostemix's patented proprietary platform produces ACP-01 (angiogenic precursors) and NCP-01 (neural precursors) from a patient's own blood. This new research provides a scientific basis of how the combination of ACP-01+NCP-01 promises to overcome the major limitations in BCI implants. The findings align with Hemostemix's vision of licensing ACP-01 and NCP-01 to enhance BCI longevity and functionalities. Forward-Looking Perspective This research paves the way for: Licensing with BCI technology companies to combine autologous stem-cell support of BCI with cutting-edge patient-based angiogenic and neural interfaces. Rapid preclinical and clinical testing of ACP-01 + NCP-01 at BCI implant sites. "We imagine a world where the environment for BCI, the patient's brain, augmented by the patients' own stem cells, improves the longevity of the implants from months to a lifetime, improves signal fidelity to increase functional movement, and increases learning and memory retention," stated Dr. Fraser Henderson, lead author. "I want to thank Dr. Henderson and Ms. Tuchman for this very thorough exposition of the benefits of using one's own DNA structured as ACP & NCP to improve BCIs. Truly, this is incredible work. Coupled with our market analyses of the top three BCI companies, shareholders can expect more news to follow, as Mr. Lawrence, Chief Commercialization Officer and I meet with potential partners," stated Thomas Smeenk, CEO. In Summary Dr. Henderson has outlined a new cell-based approach that may allow brain implants to work reliably for years. By delivering two types of the patient's blood-derived stem cell precursors—one that fights inflammation and boosts blood flow, the other that helps build new neuronal cells—this method could protect and improve the brain at the site of BCI implant. Hemostemix's ready-to-use cell products (ACP-01 and NCP-01) are a direct fit for this approach and could potentially transform how long and well brain-computer interfaces function. ABOUT HEMOSTEMIX Founded in 2003, Hemostemix is a stem-cell therapeutics company with patented technology to generate autologous angiogenic and neural cell precursors from patient blood. Its ACP-01 and NCP-01 cell lines aim to treat cardiovascular, neurological, and implant-related conditions. A winner of the World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer Award, the Company has developed, patented, is scaling and selling autologous (patient's own) blood-based stem cell therapy, VesCell™ (ACP-01). Hemostemix has completed seven clinical studies of 318 subjects and published its results in 11 peer reviewed publications. ACP-01 is safe, clinically relevant and statistically significant as a treatment for peripheral arterial disease, chronic limb threatening ischemia, non ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, ischemic cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, and angina. Hemostemix completed its Phase II clinical trial for chronic limb threatening ischemia and published its results in the Journal of Biomedical Research & Environmental Science. As compared to a five year mortality rate of 60% in the CLTI patient population, UBC and U of T reported to the 41st meeting of vascular surgeons: 0% mortality, cessation of pain, wound healing in 83% of patients followed for up to 4.5 years, as a midpoint result. For more information, please visit For further information, please contact: Thomas Smeenk, President, CEO & Co-Founder: EM: tsmeenk@ / PH: 905-580-4170 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined under the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Information: This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information in relation to the publication in CELLS of the properties of ACP-01+NCP-01 and the improvement of brain computer interface (BCI) technologies. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. This forward-looking information reflects Hemostemix's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Hemostemix and on assumptions Hemostemix believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to: the underlying value of Hemostemix and its Common Shares; the successful resolution of any litigation that Hemostemix is pursuing or defending (the "Litigation"); the results of ACP-01 research, trials, studies and analyses, including the analysis being equivalent to or better than previous research, trials or studies; the receipt of all required regulatory approvals for research, trials or studies; the level of activity, market acceptance and market trends in the healthcare sector; the economy generally; consumer interest in Hemostemix's services and products; competition and Hemostemix's competitive advantages; and, Hemostemix obtaining satisfactory financing to fund Hemostemix's operations including any research, trials or studies, and any Litigation. Forward-looking information is Subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Hemostemix to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: the ability of Hemostemix to complete clinical trials, complete a satisfactory analyses and file the results of such analyses to gain regulatory approval of a phase II or phase III clinical trial of ACP-01; potential litigation Hemostemix may face; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; general capital market conditions and market prices for securities; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; the actual results of future operations including the actual results of future research, trials or studies; competition; changes in legislation affecting Hemostemix; the timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; long-term capital requirements and future developments in Hemostemix's markets and the markets in which it expects to compete; lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals; and risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic including various recommendations, orders and measures of governmental authorities to try to limit the pandemic, including travel restrictions, border closures, non-essential business closures service disruptions, quarantines, self-isolations, shelters-in-place and social distancing, disruptions to markets, disruptions to economic activity and financings, disruptions to supply chains and sales channels, and a deterioration of general economic conditions including a possible national or global recession or depression; the potential impact that the COVID-19 pandemic may have on Hemostemix which may include a decreased demand for the services that Hemostemix offers; and a deterioration of financial markets that could limit Hemostemix's ability to obtain external financing. A description of additional risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking information can be found in Hemostemix's disclosure documents on the SEDAR website at Although Hemostemix has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of Hemostemix as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, it is Subject to change after such date. However, Hemostemix expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Daily Mail
28-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Neuralink's first female patient reveals shocking effect of brain chip
A woman who has been fully paralyzed for the last 20 years has regained the ability to use a computer, marking a world-first for Elon Musk's company, Neuralink. Thanks to Neuralink's revolutionary implant, Audrey Crews revealed on X how she was able to write her name on a computer screen. 'I tried writing my name for the first time in 20 years. I'm working on it. Lol,' Crews posted on X while showing the world her first attempt at a signature since 2005. Using the brain-computer interface (BCI), the implant recipient chose a purple-colored cursor pen to write the name 'Audrey' on the screen in cursive script. The Louisiana resident was severely injured in a car accident at the age of 16, damaging the C4 and C5 vertebrae in her neck, and leaving her a quadriplegic with no feeling in her arms and legs. The Neuralink procedure implanted a small quarter-sized device on Crews' motor cortex this month, letting her control a computer with her mind. In her posts on X following the surgery, Crews revealed how she has been able to draw pictures, write words, scroll with a mouse, and use a keyboard all through the power of her mind. Responding to the positive feedback she's received on social media, Crews said she felt liberated, and she's even started taking requests on what to draw next as the pictures act as practice for her while using the implant. Musk, the CEO of Spacex and Tesla, co-founded Neuralink in 2016 with a group of experts in the fields of neuroscience, engineering, and robotics. There goal was to merge human intelligence with AI, treat brain disorders, and potentially enhance human ability in the future. In 2019, Musk revealed the N1 implant, the small device placed on the brain to read and translate electrical signals into actions, like moving a cursor on a computer screen. Crews became the ninth person to undergo the groundbreaking procedure, which has allowed patients with severe paralysis or neurological conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to control electronic devices through telepathy. 'I am the first women in the world to do this,' Crews added on X. 'Imagine your pointer finger is left click and the cursor [movement] is with your wrist, without physically doing it. Just a normal day using telepathy,' she explained while showing off her latest drawings on Sunday. The Neuralink patient has been able to draw hearts, flowers, rainbows, and even some faces while pushing the cursor with her thoughts sent to the N1 implant. Crews' surgery at University of Miami Health Center involved drilling a hole into her skull, so surgeons could place 128 threads smaller than a human hair into her motor cortex. Working on my accuracy and speed. #Neuralink — Audrey Crews (@NeuraNova9) July 26, 2025 The threads carried over 1,000 electrodes which detect electrical signals, or neuron spikes, produced by brain cells when a person thinks about moving. Each thought creates a unique pattern of brain activity. The implant is powered by a small battery that charges wirelessly. It sends the neuron spikes to a computer or smartphone running Neuralink's software via Bluetooth, which is then translated into commands on the computer. Asked by one person on X if she ever thought she would be able to do anything like this again, Crews replied: 'Not in all my wildest dreams, but the future is here.' Musk also replied to a post about Crews' story, saying: 'She is controlling her computer just by thinking. Most people don't realize this is possible.' The first female Neuralink patient noted that the BCI won't give her the ability to walk again or regain any movement in her limbs, but she is hoping this breakthrough will allow her to write a book about her journey. 'I've been a quadriplegic since the age of 16, so I have lots to tell,' Crews explained. The N1 implant is still in early trials and its long-term safety and effectiveness are being tested. The first person to use the N1 implant, Noland Arbaugh, saw the threads to his motor cortex retract, requiring Neuralink to adjust the device in order for it to maintain connection with the quadriplegic patient's brain. At the moment, Musk's dream of these implants enhancing human ability is still in the planning phase. They can't 'read thoughts' beyond specific movement tasks, like moving the cursor on a screen. For Crews and the other eight patients so far, however, it's given them back a piece of their independence they thought was lost forever.
Fox News
24-07-2025
- Science
- Fox News
China experimenting with brain-computer interfaces in global race for AI dominance: report
China is reportedly working to cognitively merge humans with machines as part of its ongoing efforts to compete in the artificial intelligence race. The communist country is using brain-computer interface (BCI) technology — systems that allow for communication between the brain and an external device — to "augment human cognition and human-machine teaming," The Washington Times reported, citing a presentation from Georgetown experts delivered to U.S. officials. These include invasive, minimally-invasive and non-invasive BCIs, according to The Washington Times. Invasive BCIs involve surgery to implant electrodes into the brain, while non-invasive BCIs use sensors on the scalp to monitor brain activity. Meanwhile, minimally-invasive BCIs involve implanting devices, but they do not penetrate brain tissue, according to a report in the National Library of Medicine. The U.S. has primarily focused on building up language models to develop AI technology. However, China is going against traditional thinking about how to achieve artificial general intelligence (AGI) — a type of AI that has the ability to perform as well as or better than a human being in cognitive tasks, according to William Hannas, lead analyst at Georgetown's Center for Security and Emerging Technology. "There are all kinds of possibilities out there, but if you want human equivalent AI, you're not going to get it just by increasing the parameters [of models]," Hannas told The Washington Times. Hannas, who formerly worked for the CIA, collected Chinese government documents that contained information about the country's AI funding plans for this year and last year. The plans include several brain-inspired AI approaches, The Washington Times reported. Additionally, Chinese state-run media have quoted statements saying the future involves making AI a physical part of humans, according to the Washington Times. In 2018, two technologists working on brain-inspired approaches to AI were also recruited by Chinese officials, they told The Washington Times. China's innovation in artificial intelligence is "accelerating," Michael Kratsios, the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology, told Fox News Digital in April. But he maintained that the United States remains the world's dominant power in AI and the Trump administration's "promote and protect" strategy will solidify that standing. Georgetown's Center for Security and Emerging Technology did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Thought control: AI model transcribes thoughts from brainwaves
Imagine controlling your phone using only just thoughts. Connecting the human brain to computers represents the latest cutting-edge scientific advancement. Scientists at the University of Technology Sydney are exploring how artificial intelligence can interpret brain activity. Solve the daily Crossword
