Today's edition of The Download is the weekday newsletter that gives you a daily dose from the world of technology.
A patient with ALS set a new record for communicating using a brain implant
The latest: Eight years ago, a patient suffered from Lou Gehrig's Disease, or progressive paralysis. After donating to have a brain implant placed, the woman is now able to quickly communicate sentences at a pace that is comparable to normal speech.
Why it is important: Despite keyboards, thumb-typing and emojis being available, speech still remains the fastest method of human-to–human communication. Stanford University scientists claim that their volunteer broke all previous records using the brain-reading device to communicate at a speed of 62 words per minute, which is three times faster than the previous record.
Next steps: Experts have called the study a major breakthrough. However, the study has not yet been reviewed. These findings could open the door to the development of brain-reading technology in the lab. The full story is available here.
–Antonio Regalado
Living the Year of the Rabbit to its fullest
By Zeyi Yang, China reporter
The Lunar New Year was celebrated this Sunday by many Asian cultures. It is supposed to provide an opportunity to reset and to seize new opportunities.
In this spirit, I have reread some of my favourite China-focused MIT Technology Review stories and spoken to the people who interviewed me. I asked them if they had solved any problems and what they were hoping for in the Year of the Rabbit.
I am grateful to everyone who allowed me to tell their stories. I hope they have helped us all understand tech and China better. The full story is available here.
China Report is Zeyi's weekly newsletter that covers all of the important happenings in China. Get it delivered to your inbox every Tuesday by signing up
The must-read
I've combed the internet to find you today's most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.
1 The US and Germany send tanks to Ukraine
They could be a catalyst for a new phase in the war against Russia. (BBC)
+ Ukraine's anticorruption agency is intensifying its efforts. (The Guardian)
2 Again, the US Justice Department sued Google
It accuses the company of abusing their dominance in digital advertising. (Vox)
+ However, it is unlikely that Google would be broken up. (Ars Technica)
+ Google is eliminating its spam exemptions for political emails. (WP $)
3 Ticketmaster attributed its Taylor Swift fiasco to a cyberattack
Senators believe that the ticket market's stranglehold is the real problem. (Bloomberg $)
+ Ticketmaster is the ticketing powerhouse. (Vox)
4 The Crypto bank Silvergate is sabotaging
Its future is in grave doubt. (NY Mag $).
+ What's next in crypto. (MIT Technology Review)
5 China leads the way in exports of facial recognition technology
Experts worry that intrusive software could fuel human rights violations. (Wired $)
6 Amazon warned employees not to share secrets using ChatGPT
It is not clear how the system uses company confidential data. (Insider $)
7 Nextdoor's breeding ground for hostility to housing
Neighbors quickly turn into enemies in an "permanent online match" (Motherboard).
8 Artificial skin perceives objects better than human eyes
It can even distinguish the type of material it is made from. (New Scientist $).
9 Use questionnaires to screen potential partners
It helps Champions to weed out romantic time-wasters, say the champions. (The Guardian)
+ How the internet's newest matchmakers can help you find love. (MIT Technology Review)
10 Zazzle, an online marketplace, is in a font war
It is the heart of the popular font "Blooming Elegant". (Slate $)
Quote for the Day
"The way artists embrace crazy capitalist, hypertech culture is really disconcerting."
Marla Chinbat, an art student, explains why the generative AI boom is so disappointing to Motherboard.
The big story
A bigger act for messengerRNA than covid vaccines could be in the works.
[TAG0]
February 2021
Many covid vaccines were developed using a previously unknown technology that relied on messenger RNA. These vaccines were constructed and tested within a matter of months, thanks to 20-year-old discoveries.
Researchers believe that shots that temporarily instruct cells will soon be able to lead to better vaccines for herpes and flu, as well as vaccines against malaria and herpes.
Researchers see a way forward that goes beyond vaccines. Researchers believe the technology will allow cheap gene treatments for cancer, sickle cell disease, and even HIV. Read the complete story.
–Antonio Regalado
You can still enjoy nice things
This is a place to find comfort, joy and distraction during these crazy times. (Have any suggestions? Drop me a note or send me a tweet. )
+ But what about their future crimes.
+ Who sells a dinosaur-sized life size on Facebook? That's this guy.
+ This is AI art that I can use (thanks Will!)
+ These are some ways to make more time for creativity.
+ Sardines can have a bad reputation, but there are so many things you can do with them.
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By: Rhiannon Williams
Title: The Download: a brain implant breakthrough, and China tech reflections
Sourced From: www.technologyreview.com/2023/01/25/1067277/download-brain-implant-breakthrough-china-tech-reflections/
Published Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2023 13:10:00 +0000
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