Latest news with #EEG
Daily Maverick
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Maverick
Sleep divorce: could sleeping separately from your partner lead to a better night's rest?
This arrangement can have benefits. But it doesn't have to be permanent, and doesn't have to mean the end of intimacy. Hundreds of years ago, it was common for married couples among the European upper classes to have separate bedrooms. Sleeping separately was a symbol of luxury and status historically reserved for royalty and the very wealthy. Nowadays, it's common for married couples and other couples in relationships to sleep in the same bed. But sometimes – for reasons from conflicting schedules to snoring to sleep talking – couples might choose to sleep separately in pursuit of a better night's sleep. This is known as 'sleep divorce'. Though I prefer the term 'sleep separation', as this doesn't have to be a permanent arrangement – but more on that later. So why might couples choose to sleep separately? And what does the evidence say about the effects on sleep quality if you sleep alone versus with a partner? Why do couples opt for a sleep separation? Couples may choose to sleep apart if one partner's sleep is disturbing the other's, or both are disrupting one another. This can happen for a variety of reasons. These include waking up frequently in the night, mismatched body clocks (for example, one person coming to bed later than the other), conflicting schedules (for example, shift workers), snoring, twitching legs, or sleep talking. Parents with babies and young children may choose to sleep separately to avoid both partners' sleep being disturbed. Those with conflicting preferences for sleeping environments, such as one partner liking a cool room with a fan and the other preferring warmth, may also decide to sleep apart. What are the benefits of sleeping alone? Many couples say they prefer to sleep – and sleep better – next to their partner. But when scientists measure sleep objectively, such as via an electroencephalogram (EEG) to assess brain waves, the data actually shows poorer sleep quality when co-sleeping. So sleeping alone may, in fact, mean better quality and longer sleep. Research also shows when one member of the couple has a sleep disorder, such as insomnia or sleep apnoea (where breathing is frequently interrupted during sleep), these people often inadvertently wake up their partner when they wake in the night. So sleeping alone could be a good idea if your bed partner has a sleep disorder. What's more, studies have found sleep disturbances are linked to reduced relationship satisfaction. So sleeping apart could actually mean happier couples. Finally, anyone who has struggled with their sleep will know anxiety around sleep is common. Many clients I have seen who experience insomnia report sleeping alone can alleviate some of their anxiety because at least they know they won't disturb, or be disturbed by, their partner. Are there any downsides to separate sleeping arrangements? Some people dislike sleeping alone, reporting comfort, and feelings of safety and protection when sleeping alongside their partner – and loneliness when they don't. Sleeping separately also requires two rooms, or at least two beds. Many couples may not have these options available to them in their home. Sleeping separately is often stigmatised, with some people seeing it as the death of a couple's sex life. But while sleeping in separate beds may provide fewer opportunities for sex, this doesn't necessarily mean the end of intimacy. Sleeping apart could mean some couples actually have more sex. We know better sleep is linked to more positive feelings about relationships, so it's possible the desire to be intimate could increase after a good night's sleep in separate beds. Sleeping apart may even mean some couples have more energy to be intimate. Nonetheless, if you choose to sleep separately from your partner, it's important to have an open discussion and prioritise opportunities for connection and intimacy. One client I worked with referred to 'visiting rights', where her partner came into her bed for a short period before sleep or in the morning. Who should potentially consider a sleep separation? You may wish to think about a 'sleep separation' if you are disturbing each other's sleep, have young children, or have different preferences in terms of temperature, light and noise, which are causing issues. Ultimately, if sleeping in the same bed is leading to poor sleep, then sleeping apart, if it's possible, could help. If you can't sleep separately, there may be other ways to reduce disturbance from a partner, such as using an eye mask, white noise or earplugs. If you decide to try a sleep separation, remember this can be a flexible arrangement or 're-set' and doesn't have to be permanent, or every night. Some couples find sleeping separately during the working week, but sharing a bed on the weekend works well for them. Lastly, it's important to talk to your GP about any persistent sleep problems, such as snoring, insomnia, or unusual behaviour during sleep (for example, shouting or walking around), as there may be an underlying sleep disorder which needs treating. DM
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Firefly Inks Latest Commercial Agreement for Use of its FDA-Cleared BNA™ Platform in Groundbreaking Precision Neuroscience Research
– Institute of Human Genetics at Heidelberg University Hospital ongoing EEG biomarker study on 15q13.3 CNVs – – Collaboration aims to uncover novel insights into the brain's functional architecture in rare genetic conditions – – Building and growing a license business is an increasingly important pillar of Firefly's commercial strategy – KENMORE, N.Y., July 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Firefly Neuroscience, Inc. ('Firefly' or the 'Company') (NASDAQ: AIFF), an Artificial Intelligence ('AI') company developing innovative solutions that improve brain health outcomes for patients with neurological and mental disorders, is pleased to highlight its ongoing collaboration with Prof. Dr. med. Christian Schaaf, Director of the Institute of Human Genetics at Heidelberg University Hospital and Chairman of Human Genetics at the Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University, on a groundbreaking study investigating the neurophysiological impact of 15q13.3 copy number variants ('CNVs'). This engagement builds on prior work between Firefly and Prof. Schaaf, including a joint publication on CHRNA7-related phenotypes.1 The current study leverages Firefly's FDA-cleared technology to analyze Electroencephalograms ('EEG') data from 30 subjects — 15 with deletions and 15 with duplications of the 15q13.3 chromosomal region. Study subjects undergo resting state and two cognitive paradigms running automatically through Firefly's BNA platform. The study is scheduled to run through 2026, with Firefly commercially engaged to provide EEG systems, training, and full analytic support, including the comparison to its proprietary, FDA-cleared normative Resting and Event-Related Potential Cognitive tasks database. The study aims to: Identify electrophysiological biomarkers associated with 15q13.3 CNVs; Characterize neurocognitive profiles linked to deletions vs. duplications; and Support future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for neurodevelopmental disorders. 'This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to advancing precision neuroscience,' said Gil Issachar, Chief Technology Officer of Firefly. 'By combining Heidelberg's clinical expertise with our proprietary technology, we aim to uncover novel insights into the brain's functional architecture in rare genetic conditions. But our mission goes well beyond any single study — deepening our understanding of cognitive disorders, both common and rare, is essential to transforming how we diagnose, monitor, and treat these conditions. Every insight we gain from rare genetic variants like 15q13.3 helps illuminate the broader landscape of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. We believe that by decoding the brain's electrical language, we can bridge the gap between genotype and phenotype, and ultimately bring more personalized, effective care to patients worldwide.' Greg Lipschitz, Chief Executive Officer of Firefly, said, 'As pharma and medtech organizations increasingly look to leverage the use of objective measures of brain activity such as EEG across various stages of new product development, from ideation up to and including commercialization, there is growing industry awareness and adoption of our highly differentiated, AI-powered technology. We are truly honored that a world-renowned physician scientist, like Prof. Schaaf, is the latest to see the value of his institution licensing our technology, and we look forward to updating our stakeholders as this important research is completed.' Source 1 Stern T, Crutcher EH, McCarthy JM, Ali MA, Issachar G, Geva AB, Peremen Z, Schaaf CP. Brain Network Analysis of EEG Recordings Can Be Used to Assess Cognitive Function in Teenagers With 15q13.3 Microdeletion Syndrome. Front Neurosci. 2021 Jan 28;15:622329. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2021.622329. PMID: 33584189; PMCID: PMC7876406. About Firefly Firefly (NASDAQ: AIFF) is an Artificial Intelligence ('AI') company developing innovative solutions that improve brain health outcomes for patients with neurological and mental disorders. Firefly's FDA-510(k) cleared Brain Network Analytics (BNA™) technology revolutionizes diagnostic and treatment monitoring methods for conditions such as depression, dementia, anxiety disorders, concussions, and ADHD. Over the past 15 years, Firefly has built a comprehensive database of brain wave tests, securing patent protection, and achieving FDA clearance. The Company is now launching BNA™ commercially, targeting pharmaceutical companies engaged in drug research and clinical trials, as well as medical practitioners for clinical use. Brain Network Analytics was developed using artificial intelligence and machine learning on Firefly's extensive proprietary database of standardized, high-definition longitudinal electroencephalograms (EEGs) of over 17,000 patients representing twelve disorders, as well as clinically normal patients. BNA™, in conjunction with an FDA-cleared EEG/ERP system, can provide clinicians with comprehensive insights into brain function. These insights can enhance a clinician's ability to accurately diagnose mental and cognitive disorders and to evaluate what therapy and/or drug is best suited to optimize a patient's outcome. Please visit for more information. About Prof. Christian Schaaf Professor Schaaf is the Medical Director at Heidelberg University Hospital and Department Chair of the Institute of Human Genetics at the Heidelberg University in Germany. He studies the genetic causes of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, including copy number variants of 15q13.3. His work led to the discovery of multiple new disease genes, and three disorders have been named after him: Schaaf-Yang syndrome, Bosch-Boonstra-Schaaf Optic Atrophy syndrome, and Marbach-Schaaf Neurodevelopmental syndrome. Professor Schaaf's groundbreaking work has been recognized with many awards, including the William K. Bowes Award for Medical Genetics by Partners Healthcare and Harvard Medical School and the inaugural Seldin-Smith Award for Pioneering Research by the American Society for Clinical Investigation. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release may constitute 'forward-looking statements' for purposes of the federal securities laws concerning Firefly. These forward-looking statements include express or implied statements relating to Firefly's management teams' expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions, or strategies regarding the future. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'contemplate,' 'continue,' 'could,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' 'intends,' 'may,' 'might,' 'plan,' 'possible,' 'potential,' 'predict,' 'project,' 'should,' 'will,' 'would' and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting Firefly will be those that have been anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond Firefly's control) or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to those factors described under the heading 'Risk Factors' in the reports and other filings of Firefly with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of Firefly's assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. It is not possible to predict or identify all such risks. Forward-looking statements included in this press release only speak as of the date they are made, and Firefly does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. Investor & Media ContactStephen Kilmer(646) in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Globe and Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Firefly Inks Latest Commercial Agreement for Use of its FDA-Cleared BNA™ Platform in Groundbreaking Precision Neuroscience Research
– Institute of Human Genetics at Heidelberg University Hospital ongoing EEG biomarker study on 15q13.3 CNVs – – Collaboration aims to uncover novel insights into the brain's functional architecture in rare genetic conditions – – Building and growing a license business is an increasingly important pillar of Firefly's commercial strategy – KENMORE, N.Y., July 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Firefly Neuroscience, Inc. ('Firefly' or the 'Company') (NASDAQ: AIFF), an Artificial Intelligence ('AI') company developing innovative solutions that improve brain health outcomes for patients with neurological and mental disorders, is pleased to highlight its ongoing collaboration with Prof. Dr. med. Christian Schaaf, Director of the Institute of Human Genetics at Heidelberg University Hospital and Chairman of Human Genetics at the Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University, on a groundbreaking study investigating the neurophysiological impact of 15q13.3 copy number variants ('CNVs'). This engagement builds on prior work between Firefly and Prof. Schaaf, including a joint publication on CHRNA7-related phenotypes. 1 The current study leverages Firefly's FDA-cleared technology to analyze Electroencephalograms ('EEG') data from 30 subjects — 15 with deletions and 15 with duplications of the 15q13.3 chromosomal region. Study subjects undergo resting state and two cognitive paradigms running automatically through Firefly's BNA platform. The study is scheduled to run through 2026, with Firefly commercially engaged to provide EEG systems, training, and full analytic support, including the comparison to its proprietary, FDA-cleared normative Resting and Event-Related Potential Cognitive tasks database. The study aims to: Identify electrophysiological biomarkers associated with 15q13.3 CNVs; Characterize neurocognitive profiles linked to deletions vs. duplications; and Support future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for neurodevelopmental disorders. 'This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to advancing precision neuroscience,' said Gil Issachar, Chief Technology Officer of Firefly. 'By combining Heidelberg's clinical expertise with our proprietary technology, we aim to uncover novel insights into the brain's functional architecture in rare genetic conditions. But our mission goes well beyond any single study — deepening our understanding of cognitive disorders, both common and rare, is essential to transforming how we diagnose, monitor, and treat these conditions. Every insight we gain from rare genetic variants like 15q13.3 helps illuminate the broader landscape of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. We believe that by decoding the brain's electrical language, we can bridge the gap between genotype and phenotype, and ultimately bring more personalized, effective care to patients worldwide.' Greg Lipschitz, Chief Executive Officer of Firefly, said, 'As pharma and medtech organizations increasingly look to leverage the use of objective measures of brain activity such as EEG across various stages of new product development, from ideation up to and including commercialization, there is growing industry awareness and adoption of our highly differentiated, AI-powered technology. We are truly honored that a world-renowned physician scientist, like Prof. Schaaf, is the latest to see the value of his institution licensing our technology, and we look forward to updating our stakeholders as this important research is completed.' Source 1 Stern T, Crutcher EH, McCarthy JM, Ali MA, Issachar G, Geva AB, Peremen Z, Schaaf CP. Brain Network Analysis of EEG Recordings Can Be Used to Assess Cognitive Function in Teenagers With 15q13.3 Microdeletion Syndrome. Front Neurosci. 2021 Jan 28;15:622329. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2021.622329. PMID: 33584189; PMCID: PMC7876406. About Firefly Firefly (NASDAQ: AIFF) is an Artificial Intelligence ('AI') company developing innovative solutions that improve brain health outcomes for patients with neurological and mental disorders. Firefly's FDA-510(k) cleared Brain Network Analytics (BNA™) technology revolutionizes diagnostic and treatment monitoring methods for conditions such as depression, dementia, anxiety disorders, concussions, and ADHD. Over the past 15 years, Firefly has built a comprehensive database of brain wave tests, securing patent protection, and achieving FDA clearance. The Company is now launching BNA™ commercially, targeting pharmaceutical companies engaged in drug research and clinical trials, as well as medical practitioners for clinical use. Brain Network Analytics was developed using artificial intelligence and machine learning on Firefly's extensive proprietary database of standardized, high-definition longitudinal electroencephalograms (EEGs) of over 17,000 patients representing twelve disorders, as well as clinically normal patients. BNA™, in conjunction with an FDA-cleared EEG/ERP system, can provide clinicians with comprehensive insights into brain function. These insights can enhance a clinician's ability to accurately diagnose mental and cognitive disorders and to evaluate what therapy and/or drug is best suited to optimize a patient's outcome. Please visit for more information. About Prof. Christian Schaaf Professor Schaaf is the Medical Director at Heidelberg University Hospital and Department Chair of the Institute of Human Genetics at the Heidelberg University in Germany. He studies the genetic causes of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, including copy number variants of 15q13.3. His work led to the discovery of multiple new disease genes, and three disorders have been named after him: Schaaf-Yang syndrome, Bosch-Boonstra-Schaaf Optic Atrophy syndrome, and Marbach-Schaaf Neurodevelopmental syndrome. Professor Schaaf's groundbreaking work has been recognized with many awards, including the William K. Bowes Award for Medical Genetics by Partners Healthcare and Harvard Medical School and the inaugural Seldin-Smith Award for Pioneering Research by the American Society for Clinical Investigation. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release may constitute 'forward-looking statements' for purposes of the federal securities laws concerning Firefly. These forward-looking statements include express or implied statements relating to Firefly's management teams' expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions, or strategies regarding the future. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'contemplate,' 'continue,' 'could,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' 'intends,' 'may,' 'might,' 'plan,' 'possible,' 'potential,' 'predict,' 'project,' 'should,' 'will,' 'would' and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting Firefly will be those that have been anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond Firefly's control) or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to those factors described under the heading 'Risk Factors' in the reports and other filings of Firefly with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of Firefly's assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. It is not possible to predict or identify all such risks. Forward-looking statements included in this press release only speak as of the date they are made, and Firefly does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Firefly Inks Latest Commercial Agreement for Use of its FDA-Cleared BNA™ Platform in Groundbreaking Precision Neuroscience Research
– Institute of Human Genetics at Heidelberg University Hospital ongoing EEG biomarker study on 15q13.3 CNVs – – Collaboration aims to uncover novel insights into the brain's functional architecture in rare genetic conditions – – Building and growing a license business is an increasingly important pillar of Firefly's commercial strategy – KENMORE, N.Y., July 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Firefly Neuroscience, Inc. ('Firefly' or the 'Company') (NASDAQ: AIFF), an Artificial Intelligence ('AI') company developing innovative solutions that improve brain health outcomes for patients with neurological and mental disorders, is pleased to highlight its ongoing collaboration with Prof. Dr. med. Christian Schaaf, Director of the Institute of Human Genetics at Heidelberg University Hospital and Chairman of Human Genetics at the Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University, on a groundbreaking study investigating the neurophysiological impact of 15q13.3 copy number variants ('CNVs'). This engagement builds on prior work between Firefly and Prof. Schaaf, including a joint publication on CHRNA7-related phenotypes.1 The current study leverages Firefly's FDA-cleared technology to analyze Electroencephalograms ('EEG') data from 30 subjects — 15 with deletions and 15 with duplications of the 15q13.3 chromosomal region. Study subjects undergo resting state and two cognitive paradigms running automatically through Firefly's BNA platform. The study is scheduled to run through 2026, with Firefly commercially engaged to provide EEG systems, training, and full analytic support, including the comparison to its proprietary, FDA-cleared normative Resting and Event-Related Potential Cognitive tasks database. The study aims to: Identify electrophysiological biomarkers associated with 15q13.3 CNVs; Characterize neurocognitive profiles linked to deletions vs. duplications; and Support future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for neurodevelopmental disorders. 'This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to advancing precision neuroscience,' said Gil Issachar, Chief Technology Officer of Firefly. 'By combining Heidelberg's clinical expertise with our proprietary technology, we aim to uncover novel insights into the brain's functional architecture in rare genetic conditions. But our mission goes well beyond any single study — deepening our understanding of cognitive disorders, both common and rare, is essential to transforming how we diagnose, monitor, and treat these conditions. Every insight we gain from rare genetic variants like 15q13.3 helps illuminate the broader landscape of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. We believe that by decoding the brain's electrical language, we can bridge the gap between genotype and phenotype, and ultimately bring more personalized, effective care to patients worldwide.' Greg Lipschitz, Chief Executive Officer of Firefly, said, 'As pharma and medtech organizations increasingly look to leverage the use of objective measures of brain activity such as EEG across various stages of new product development, from ideation up to and including commercialization, there is growing industry awareness and adoption of our highly differentiated, AI-powered technology. We are truly honored that a world-renowned physician scientist, like Prof. Schaaf, is the latest to see the value of his institution licensing our technology, and we look forward to updating our stakeholders as this important research is completed.' Source 1 Stern T, Crutcher EH, McCarthy JM, Ali MA, Issachar G, Geva AB, Peremen Z, Schaaf CP. Brain Network Analysis of EEG Recordings Can Be Used to Assess Cognitive Function in Teenagers With 15q13.3 Microdeletion Syndrome. Front Neurosci. 2021 Jan 28;15:622329. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2021.622329. PMID: 33584189; PMCID: PMC7876406. About Firefly Firefly (NASDAQ: AIFF) is an Artificial Intelligence ('AI') company developing innovative solutions that improve brain health outcomes for patients with neurological and mental disorders. Firefly's FDA-510(k) cleared Brain Network Analytics (BNA™) technology revolutionizes diagnostic and treatment monitoring methods for conditions such as depression, dementia, anxiety disorders, concussions, and ADHD. Over the past 15 years, Firefly has built a comprehensive database of brain wave tests, securing patent protection, and achieving FDA clearance. The Company is now launching BNA™ commercially, targeting pharmaceutical companies engaged in drug research and clinical trials, as well as medical practitioners for clinical use. Brain Network Analytics was developed using artificial intelligence and machine learning on Firefly's extensive proprietary database of standardized, high-definition longitudinal electroencephalograms (EEGs) of over 17,000 patients representing twelve disorders, as well as clinically normal patients. BNA™, in conjunction with an FDA-cleared EEG/ERP system, can provide clinicians with comprehensive insights into brain function. These insights can enhance a clinician's ability to accurately diagnose mental and cognitive disorders and to evaluate what therapy and/or drug is best suited to optimize a patient's outcome. Please visit for more information. About Prof. Christian Schaaf Professor Schaaf is the Medical Director at Heidelberg University Hospital and Department Chair of the Institute of Human Genetics at the Heidelberg University in Germany. He studies the genetic causes of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, including copy number variants of 15q13.3. His work led to the discovery of multiple new disease genes, and three disorders have been named after him: Schaaf-Yang syndrome, Bosch-Boonstra-Schaaf Optic Atrophy syndrome, and Marbach-Schaaf Neurodevelopmental syndrome. Professor Schaaf's groundbreaking work has been recognized with many awards, including the William K. Bowes Award for Medical Genetics by Partners Healthcare and Harvard Medical School and the inaugural Seldin-Smith Award for Pioneering Research by the American Society for Clinical Investigation. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release may constitute 'forward-looking statements' for purposes of the federal securities laws concerning Firefly. These forward-looking statements include express or implied statements relating to Firefly's management teams' expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions, or strategies regarding the future. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'contemplate,' 'continue,' 'could,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' 'intends,' 'may,' 'might,' 'plan,' 'possible,' 'potential,' 'predict,' 'project,' 'should,' 'will,' 'would' and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting Firefly will be those that have been anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond Firefly's control) or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to those factors described under the heading 'Risk Factors' in the reports and other filings of Firefly with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of Firefly's assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. It is not possible to predict or identify all such risks. Forward-looking statements included in this press release only speak as of the date they are made, and Firefly does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. Investor & Media ContactStephen Kilmer(646)
The Age
7 days ago
- The Age
AI may make us more efficient, but it's turning our brains to mush
Increasingly, more and more of us are using ChatGPT or other generative-AI sidekicks for work-related tasks. I get it, they're convenient, and can cut out some of the drudgery of the workday. But they also might be turning our brains to mush. When I surveyed 2000 professionals last month, 88 per cent admitted they'd used ChatGPT or similar to write for them, and 63 per cent said they felt 'foggy' or 'weirdly uncreative' afterwards. Yet deadlines still loom, so most people do the obvious thing: they open ChatGPT again. The true price of that convenience is only starting to surface, and the ultimate loser is your prefrontal cortex. A recent MIT Media Lab study, Your Brain on ChatGPT: Accumulation of Cognitive Debt, wired participants to EEG headsets while they wrote essays under three conditions. ChatGPT group: used ChatGPT exclusively. Search engine group: used Google (no AI). Brain-only group: relied solely on memory and reasoning. Which group do you think had the lowest levels of brain activity? Unsurprisingly, the ChatGPT users. They displayed the weakest connectivity of all three groups, and brain activity shrank the more they relied on the model. Worse, when those same participants later had to write without AI, their brain activity stayed low. The researchers call this 'cognitive debt': the more you lean on AI to think, the harder it becomes to think without it. Here's why this should rattle you, especially if you're a manager (or parent). When ChatGPT gives you ideas before you try to generate your own, your brain's creative circuits stay inactive. 1. AI is eroding cognitive independence. The more you outsource, the harder it becomes to start, or continue, unaided. That's a vicious loop: weakened neural pathways make independent thinking feel exhausting, which nudges you back to AI, which weakens the pathways further. 2. Workforce homogenisation. If everyone begins with the same machine-generated draft, ideas converge on mediocrity. Competitive advantage flows to the few who still train their own creative muscles.
