Lifeboat Foundation

More insights for AI research.

The complex multi-stage architecture of cortical visual pathways provides the neural basis for efficient visual object recognition in humans. However, the stage-wise computations therein remain poorly understood. Here, we compared temporal (magnetoencephalography) and spatial (functional MRI) visual brain representations with representations in an artificial deep neural network (DNN) tuned to the statistics of real-world visual recognition. We showed that the DNN captured the stages of human visual processing in both time and space from early visual areas towards the dorsal and ventral streams. Further investigation of crucial DNN parameters revealed that while model architecture was important, training on real-world categorization was necessary to enforce spatio-temporal hierarchical relationships with the brain. Together our results provide an algorithmically informed view on the spatio-temporal dynamics of visual object recognition in the human visual brain.

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Interesting

Scientists have implanted a wireless device the size of a peppercorn inside mice to stimulate nerves.

The technique combines optogenetics—using light to control the activity of the brain—with a newly developed method for wirelessly powering implanted devices. It’s described in a paper published in Nature Methods.

Continue reading “A tiny device inside of mice sends light to nerves” »

DoD spending $12 to $15 billion of its FY17 budget on small bets that includes NextGen tech improvements — WOW. Given the DARPA new Neural Engineering System Design (NESD); guessing we may finally have a Brain Mind Interface (BMI) soldier in the future.

The Defense Department will invest the $12 billion to $15 billion from its Fiscal Year 2017 budget slotted for developing a Third Offset Strategy on several relatively small bets, hoping to produce game-changing technology, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

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Dear readers,

I had the honor of speaking on the future of technology at the Nobel Prize gatherings in Gothenburg, Sweden. Every year, the Nobel Prize picks a theme of interest to the world on the state of sciences in different arenas. This year’s theme was the future of intelligence, with a focus on different technologies that are changing our ability to see and understand large sets of information and create computer systems that might reach human level thinking — I believe that progress is accelerating.

Continue reading “Ray Kurzweil keynote and panel at Nobel Week Dialog from the Nobel Prize” »

I must admit some of the information in this article is making me scratch my head a lttle. However, I do believe that many of us who wish to remain relevant in the future (especially in industry and government) will find ourselves requiring a Brain Mind Interface (BMI) of some sort whether it’s an implant or nanobot; folks will find that they have to have one in order to work or function in society.

Transhumanists claim complete freedom to modify their bodies, but that absolutist stance could endanger future generations.

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Can you say “amazing” — brain tumor removed without surgery.

The Neurosurgery wing of the Local Apollo hospital here successfully conducted a rare, modern at the same time sensitive method of removal of a brain tumor tissue for diagnosis sending a small needle deep in to the brain without opening the skull and anesthesia. This sophisticated and critical process known as ‘Stereotactic Biopsy was conducted on a 50 year old woman Thalari Chinnammayi, without any complications and with hardly two days of hospitalization. Claiming such Biopsy application as the first of its kind in Coastal Andhra region, Dr M V Kiran Kumar senior consultant Neuro surgeon of Apollo hospital, said it would involve less expenditure and almost risk free and not warrant a repeated biopsy. Presenting the patient before the press persons here today, he said, she was suffering from chronic headache for the past one month and during clinical examination it was found she was having small tumor in the brain that too in a very deep lesion.‘ The tumor in size of 1.5x 2cms was located in the left side of the brain at a place called as Caudate Nucleus. A small piece of brain tissue was removed by performing stereotactic biopsy and during examination it was diagnosed as grade-3 Anaplastic Astrocytoma (cancerous growth). She was referred to Oncologist for treatment either by chemo therapy or Radiation he added. Dr C Suryaprakasarao Medical director of the hospital said that the Neurology department was strengthened by acquiring modern sophisticated equipment besides appointing Dr Kamaraju as a Neuro physician. I. V.V Ramana hospital chief administrator said that they were going to introduce the ‘Deep brain stimulation therapy utilising the expertise of Dr Kiran Kumar. UNI XR/DP KVV AK1935.

– (UNI) — C-1–1-DL0415-554045.Xml.

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This all sounds extremely familiar to me for some reason. And, really ties in well with my recent articles on “AI holding your data hostage” and “Quantum Computing — things that need to be considered” — glad more folks are speaking up.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in the Swiss Alps, Nita Farahany, a professor of law and philosophy, said the device reading brain activity could be accessed by ‘not good Samaritans’.

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A neural interface being created by the United States military aims to greatly improve the resolution and connection speed between biological and non-biological matter.

The Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) — a branch of the U.S. military — has announced a new research and development program known as Neural Engineering System Design (NESD). This aims to create a fully implantable neural interface able to provide unprecedented signal resolution and data-transfer bandwidth between the human brain and the digital world.

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