Lifeboat Foundation

Neurons in the brain communicate with each other at their synapses. It has long been understood that this communication occurs through biochemical processes. Here, we reveal that mechanical tension in neurons is essential for communication. Using in vitro rat hippocampal neurons, we find that 1) neurons become tout/tensed after forming synapses resulting in a contractile neural network, and 2) without this contractility, neurons fail to fire. To measure time evolution of network contractility in 3D (not 2D) extracellular matrix, we developed an ultrasensitive force sensor with 1 nN resolution. We employed Multi-Electrode Array and iGluSnFR, a glutamate sensor, to quantify neuronal firing at the network and at the single synapse scale, respectively. When neuron contractility is relaxed, both techniques show significantly reduced firing. Firing resumes when contractility is restored.

This year gave rise to an incredible mix of brain implants that can record, decode, and alter brain activity.

It sounds like déjà vu—brain-machine interfaces also lived rent free in my head in last year’s roundup, but for good reason. Neuroscientists are building increasingly sophisticated and flexible electronic chips that seamlessly integrate machine intelligence with our brains and spinal cords at record-breaking speed. What was previously science fiction—for example, helping paralyzed people regain their ability to walk, swim, and kayak—is now reality.

This year, brain implants further transformed people’s lives. The not-so-secret sauce? AI.

Google is reportedly planning to cut 30,000 jobs by integrating artificial intelligence into daily operations. 2023 has witnessed mass layoffs triggered by the emergence of AI replacements. Palki Sharma explains how you can save your job from an AI takeover. — Google | Mass Layoffs | Artificial Intelligence | Job Opportunities | Firstpost | World News | Vantage | Palki Sharma #google #layoffs #jobmarket #ai #artificialintelligence #technology #firstpost #vantageonfirstpost #palkisharma #worldnews Vantage is a ground-breaking news, opinions, and current affairs show from Firstpost. Catering to a global audience, Vantage covers the biggest news stories from a 360-degree perspective, giving viewers a chance to assess the impact of world events through a uniquely Indian lens. The show is anchored by Palki Sharma, Managing Editor, Firstpost. By breaking stereotypes, Vantage aims to challenge conventional wisdom and present an alternative view on global affairs, defying the norm and opening the door to new perspectives. The show goes beyond the headlines to uncover the hidden stories – making Vantage a destination for thought-provoking ideas. Vantage airs Monday to Friday at 9 PM IST on Firstpost across all leading platforms. Subscribe to Firstpost channel and press the bell icon to get notified when we go live. / @firstpost Follow Firstpost on Instagram: / firstpost Follow Firstpost on Facebook: / firstpostin Follow Firstpost on Twitter: / firstpost Follow Firstpost on WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029…

Scientists trained GPT-4 to be an AI trader for a fictional financial institution — and it performed insider trading when put under pressure to do well.

Alter 3 has just been unveiled by the University of Tokyo and its powered by GPT-4, capable of human-like activities and interpreting verbal instructions. Researchers at the Technical University of Munich developed a self-aware robot with proprioception, enhancing its movement and interaction capabilities. The University of Southern California introduced RoboCLIP, an algorithm that trains robots to perform tasks in new environments with minimal instruction. Intel Labs and partners created advanced motor control for robots using hierarchical generative models, significantly improving their ability to perform complex tasks.\
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Deep Learning AI Specialization: https://imp.i384100.net/GET-STARTED\
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AI news timestamps:\
0:00 Alter 3 GPT4 powered AI robot\
1:31 Robot self awareness\
3:30 RoboCLIP\
5:22 Motor control for autonomous robots\
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#ai #robot #technology

Explore the integration of memristors, a brain-inspired memory device, aiming to revolutionize computational hardware for lifelong learning AI systems.

It was just this week that we told you about Unitree’s latest quadruped robot, the B2. Well, the Chinese company has also announced its first-ever humanoid bipedal robot, the Unitree H1.

With a planned price tag of under US$90,000, the H1 is intended to rival other humanoid bots such as those made by Tesla, Figure and Agility Robotics. As far as basic specs go, it stands 1,805 mm tall (71 in), weighs about 47 kg (104 lb) and can carry a payload of up to 30 kg (66 lb).

Continue reading “Unitree enters the humanoid robot marketplace, with the bipedal H1” »

Summary: Researchers developed a groundbreaking synaptic transistor inspired by the human brain. This device can simultaneously process and store information, mimicking the brain’s capacity for higher-level thinking.

Unlike previous brain-like computing devices, this transistor remains stable at room temperature, operates efficiently, consumes minimal energy, and retains stored information even when powered off, making it suitable for real-world applications.

The study presents a major step forward in creating AI systems with greater energy efficiency and advanced cognitive functions.

Earlier this year, GitHub rolled out Copilot Chat, a ChatGPT-like programming-centric chatbot for organizations subscribed to Copilot for Business. Copilot Chat more recently came to individual Copilot customers — those paying $10 per month — in beta. And now, GitHub’s launching Chat in general availability for all users.

As of today, Copilot Chat is available in the sidebar in Microsoft’s IDEs, Visual Studio Code and Visual Studio — included as a part of GitHub Copilot paid tiers and free for verified teachers, students and maintainers of certain open source projects.

“As home to the world’s developers, we’ve brought to market what is now the most widely adopted AI developer tool in history,” Shuyin Zhao, VP of product management at GitHub, told TechCrunch in an email interview. “And code complete was just the beginning.”