Visual perception

GN launches The New Norm – a stigma-busting image bank that challenges misperceptions about hearing loss and hearing aids

Retrieved on: 
Sunday, March 3, 2024

BALLERUP, Denmark, March 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today GN launches The New Norm, a campaign aiming to tackle the visual misperception people have of modern hearing aids, which contributes to the high level of untreated hearing loss.

Key Points: 
  • On World Hearing Day, GN is launching a stigma-busting photography campaign showcasing real people with hearing loss – from world-class athletes to award-winning musicians – wearing their modern-day hearing aids.
  • BALLERUP, Denmark, March 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today GN launches The New Norm, a campaign aiming to tackle the visual misperception people have of modern hearing aids, which contributes to the high level of untreated hearing loss.
  • In response, GN, a global leader in hearing technology, worked with photographer Gala Ricote (who has worn hearing aids for over 20 years) to photograph six inspiring hearing aid wearers.
  • The New Norm image bank provides access to free, high-quality images that represent the modern era of hearing aids and celebrates life with hearing loss.

The brain is the most complicated object in the universe. This is the story of scientists’ quest to decode it – and read people’s minds

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 7, 2024

This is the closest science has yet come to reading someone’s mind.

Key Points: 
  • This is the closest science has yet come to reading someone’s mind.
  • As Alexander Huth, the neuroscientist who co-led the research, told the New York Times:
    This isn’t just a language stimulus.
  • In the longer term, this could lead to wider public applications such as fitbit-style health monitors for the brain and brain-controlled smartphones.
  • On January 29, Elon Musk announced that his Neuralink tech startup had implanted a chip in a human brain for the first time.

Humanity’s greatest mapping challenge

  • By fully mapping the structure and function of a healthy human brain, we can determine with great precision what goes awry in diseases of the brain and mind.
  • Similar initiatives were launched in Europe in 2013 (the Human Brain Project) and China in 2016 (the China Brain Project).
  • This daunting endeavour may still take generations to complete – but the scientific ambition of mapping and reading people’s brains dates back more than two centuries.
  • With the world having been circumnavigated many times over, Antarctica discovered and much of the planet charted, humanity was ready for a new (and even more complicated) mapping challenge – the human brain.
  • In the 1860s, “locationist” views of how the brain worked made a comeback – though the scientists leading this research were keen to distinguish their theories from phrenology.
  • French anatomist Paul Broca discovered a region of the left hemisphere responsible for producing speech – thanks in part to his patient, Louis Victor Leborgne, who at age 30 lost the ability to say anything other than the syllable “tan”.
  • This approach depends on the findings of American physiologist John Fulton almost a century ago.
  • This stronger pulse of activity was not replicated by other sensory inputs, for example when smelling tobacco or vanilla.

The first clinical trial

  • The ultimate goal is wireless, non-invasive devices that help patients communicate and move with precision in the real world.
  • In 2004, BrainGate began the first clinical trial using BCIs to enable patients with impaired motor systems (including spinal cord injuries, brainstem infarctions, locked-in syndrome and muscular dystrophy) control a computer cursor with their thoughts.
  • The team is working with academics from different backgrounds who have been engaged in projects aimed at tackling societal and scientific challenges.
  • Patient MN, a quadriplegic since being stabbed in the neck in 2001, was the trial’s first patient.
  • In addition, brain activity was linked to the patient’s prosthetic hand and robotic arm, enabling rudimentary actions including grasping and transporting an object.
  • Also in 2017, BrainGate clinical trials reported the first evidence that BCIs could be used to help patients regain movement of their own limbs by bypassing the damaged portion of the spinal cord.

A new era of ‘mind reading’ technology

  • But having been primarily envisaged as a tool for diagnostics and monitoring, it is now also a core element of the latest neural communication and prosthetic devices.
  • Despite being behaviourally non-responsive and minimally conscious, these patients were able to answer yes-or-no questions just by using their minds.
  • Now, a decade on, the HuthLab research at the University of Texas constitutes a paradigmatic shift in the evolution of communication-enabling neuroimaging systems.
  • Whereas the brain’s capacity to produce motor intentions is shared across species, the ability to produce and perceive language is uniquely human.
  • The disadvantage of fMRI is that it can only take slow measurements of brain signals (typically, one brain volume every two or three seconds).
  • They demonstrated that the system could be used not only to decode semantic content entertained through auditive perception, but also through visual perception.
  • Importantly, they also explicitly addressed the potential threat to a person’s mental privacy posed by this kind of technology.
  • We take very seriously the concerns that it could be used for bad purposes and have worked to avoid that.

The ethical implications are immense

  • Losing the ability to communicate is a deep cut to one’s sense of self.
  • The ethical implications of providing access to such data to scientific and corporate entities are potentially immense.
  • For example, Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disease that affects movement, is co-morbid with dementia, which affects the ability to reason and think clearly.
  • In line with this approach, Chile was the first country that adopted legislation to address the risks inherent to neurotechnology.
  • One of the cornerstones of ethical research is the principle of informed consent.
  • The growing availability of neurotechnology in a commercial context that is generally subject to far less regulation only amplifies these ethical and legal concerns.
  • We are at an early stage of technological development and as we begin to uncover the great potential of BCI, both for therapeutic applications and beyond, the need to consider these ethical questions and their implications for legal action becomes more pressing.

Decoding our neuro future

  • By the middle of 2021, the total investment in neurotechnology companies amounted to just over US$33 billion (around £26 million).
  • The implant is said to include 1,024 electrodes, yet is only slightly larger than the diameter of a red blood cell.
  • The Kernel Flow, for example, is a commercially available, wearable headset that uses fNRIS technology to monitor brain activity.
  • The dawn of a new era of brain-computer interfaces should be treated with great care and great respect – in acknowledgement of its immense potential to both help, and harm, our future generations.


For you: more from our Insights series:
Unlocking new clues to how dementia and Alzheimer’s work in the brain – Uncharted Brain podcast series

Freedom of thought is being threatened by states, big tech and even ourselves. Here’s what we can do to protect it

OCD is so much more than handwashing or tidying. As a historian with the disorder, here’s what I’ve learned

Noise in the brain enables us to make extraordinary leaps of imagination. It could transform the power of computers too

To hear about new Insights articles, join the hundreds of thousands of people who value The Conversation’s evidence-based news. Subscribe to our newsletter.
Stephanie Sheir received funding from the EPSRC (grant number EP/V026518/1). Timo Istace receives funding from Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek Vlaanderen. Nicholas J. Kelley does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Ethical AI Research Report: Ensuring Accountability from Automation - Assessment of Current Developments and Emerging Opportunities for Solutions and Practices - ResearchAndMarkets.com

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 1, 2024

The "Ethical AI: Ensuring Accountability from Automation" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Key Points: 
  • The "Ethical AI: Ensuring Accountability from Automation" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.
  • The approach emphasizing responsible development and implementation of AI algorithms and solutions forms the core of ethical AI.
  • AI and AI-based services' long-term success depends on ethical AI, which will encourage meaningful innovation and responsible development, and strengthen public trust in AI.
  • The 'Ethical AI: Ensuring Accountability from Automation' assesses the current developments and emerging opportunities for ethical AI solutions and practices.

Ethical AI Research Report: Ensuring Accountability from Automation - Technological Developments, Industry Impacts, Regulatory Landscape, and Growth Opportunities

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 1, 2024

DUBLIN, Feb. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Ethical AI: Ensuring Accountability from Automation" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Key Points: 
  • DUBLIN, Feb. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Ethical AI: Ensuring Accountability from Automation" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.
  • The approach emphasizing on responsible development and implementation of AI algorithms and solutions forms the core of ethical AI.
  • AI and AI-based services' long-term success depends on ethical AI, which will encourage meaningful innovation and responsible development, and strengthen public trust in AI.
  • The 'Ethical AI: Ensuring Accountability from Automation' assesses the current developments and emerging opportunities for ethical AI solutions and practices.

Dr. Craig Farnsworth - "The Putt Doctor" - Endorses Popticals NYDEF® Golf Sunglasses

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 23, 2024

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Popticals NYDEF® Golf sunglasses have been endorsed by Dr. Craig Farnsworth, "The Putt Doctor," as a valuable tool for enhancing golfers' visual perception and contributing to enhanced endurance on the golf course.

Key Points: 
  • ST. LOUIS, Jan. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Popticals NYDEF® Golf sunglasses have been endorsed by Dr. Craig Farnsworth, "The Putt Doctor," as a valuable tool for enhancing golfers' visual perception and contributing to enhanced endurance on the golf course.
  • "Popticals NYDEF® Golf sunglasses are designed specifically for golfers and stand out as an essential aid in helping them to read golf courses and maintain their endurance throughout their rounds," Farnsworth said.
  • In addition to endorsing the sunglasses, Popticals, along with Farnsworth, has created the Popticals NYDEF® Golf Learning Center ( popticals.com/nydefgolf ) to provide golf tips, information on visual awareness and endurance, and insights on how to best utilize Popticals NYDEF® Golf sunglasses.
  • Concurrent with his endorsement of Popticals NYDEF® Golf Sunglasses, Farnsworth partnered with Popticals to initiate the Popticals NYDEF® Golf Learning Center , a resource where golfers can find tips to enrich their game, information on visual endurance, and insights on how best to utilize Popticals NYDEF® Golf sunglasses to their maximum benefit.

CES 2024 Spotlight: Kepler's Humanoid Robot Launch Gains International Recognition

Retrieved on: 
Monday, January 22, 2024

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kepler Exploration Robot Co., Ltd. ("Kepler") unveiled its groundbreaking Kepler Forerunner series of general-purpose humanoid robots ("Kepler Humanoid Robot") at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

Key Points: 
  • LAS VEGAS, Jan. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kepler Exploration Robot Co., Ltd. ("Kepler") unveiled its groundbreaking Kepler Forerunner series of general-purpose humanoid robots ("Kepler Humanoid Robot") at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
  • The showcase marked Kepler's first participation in a major global exhibition following the official launch of its humanoid robots.
  • The Kepler Humanoid Robot garnered immediate attention from numerous professional visitors at the event, including several of the industry's most respected experts.
  • Debo Hu, Co-founder and Vice President of Kepler, personally introduced the line-up of guests to the Kepler Humanoid Robot.

Meet Legend and Glory with TECNO: 1000 Luminous Drones Enchant The Opening Ceremony Day of the 34th AFCON

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 16, 2024

TECNO, the official sponsor of the 34th AFCON, made history with its stunning display of technology and art, featuring a first-ever choreographed show of 1,000 luminous drones in the African continent.

Key Points: 
  • TECNO, the official sponsor of the 34th AFCON, made history with its stunning display of technology and art, featuring a first-ever choreographed show of 1,000 luminous drones in the African continent.
  • Celebrating the historic moments of AFCON under the theme 'Meet Legend and Glory,' the show was a fitting tribute to the legacy and excitement of the tournament.
  • As the drones changing array, breathtaking images appeared over the sky and showed the story of AFCON and TECNO.
  • As the theme of the performance "Meet legend and glory"initiated, many legendary goals happened in the history of AFCON.

OCUTRX Debuts Latest AR/XR Vision Headset at CES 2024: Revealing Expanded Uses, Surging Global Interest, and New Pre-Order Opportunities

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Ocutrx's OcuLenz, an innovative AR/XR headset, is engineered to address advanced macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss among adults over 65 .

Key Points: 
  • Ocutrx's OcuLenz, an innovative AR/XR headset, is engineered to address advanced macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss among adults over 65 .
  • Using advanced pixel manipulation, it overlays high-contrast images onto the user's field of view, compensating for AMD's central vision loss by shifting images to the peripheral vision.
  • Ocutrx invites attendees of the CES ShowStoppers event tonight to visit their booth for an exclusive live demonstration of the OcuLenz headset.
  • Additionally, to access our comprehensive press kit, which includes further insights and visuals on the OcuLenz headset, see our dedicated press kit .

Kepler's Humanoid Robot Makes Grand Debut at CES, Heralding a Bold New Chapter in Robotics Innovation

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, January 3, 2024

Kepler Exploration Robot Co., Ltd. recently unveiled its latest innovation, the Kepler Forerunner series of general-purpose humanoid robots ("Kepler Humanoid Robot").

Key Points: 
  • Kepler Exploration Robot Co., Ltd. recently unveiled its latest innovation, the Kepler Forerunner series of general-purpose humanoid robots ("Kepler Humanoid Robot").
  • Mr. Hu, the Kepler Exploration Robot co-founder, has publicly expressed interest in collaborating with related players in the humanoid robot industry.
  • Kepler extends an invitation to developers worldwide to participate in the evolution of humanoid robot applications.
  • This initiative aims to revolutionize productivity with humanoid robots and inaugurate a groundbreaking chapter in their utilization.

Logitech Sight AI Camera Now Certified for Microsoft Teams and Zoom Rooms

Retrieved on: 
Monday, December 18, 2023

“This multicamera system acts as if there is a professional cameraman and producer in the room,” said Craig Durr, Senior Analyst, Wainhouse Research. “To capture the tabletop experience, Logitech Sight uses two 4K cameras, computer vision, and onboard AI. Better audio is achieved through seven beamforming mics that can cover medium to large rooms, acting as an additional mic pod. Sight also uses unique Logitech AI noise suppression to locate and capture the active speaker, enhancing their voice above other noises in the room." Sight’s use of both audio and voice-based AI–RightSight and RightSound-- to detect and frame multiple active speakers around the room, then replace framed individuals as the conversation shifts, is designed to create a more equitable experience for remote participants when meeting with their in-office colleagues in hybrid work settings.

Key Points: 
  • Today, Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) announced that Logitech Sight , the AI-powered, sustainably-built tabletop companion camera with intelligent multi-participant framing, is the first intelligent camera to be certified by Microsoft Teams as a center-of-table camera that works in tandem with the front-of-room video bars and is the first Panoramic Camera to be certified for use with Zoom Rooms.
  • View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231218945921/en/
    Logitech Sight AI-powered, sustainably-built tabletop companion camera is the first intelligent camera to be certified by Microsoft Teams as a center-of-table camera that works in tandem with the front-of-room video bars, and is the first Panoramic Camera to be certified for use with Zoom Rooms.
  • “To capture the tabletop experience, Logitech Sight uses two 4K cameras, computer vision, and onboard AI.
  • Sight makes it easy to use hybrid-friendly meeting layout features like Microsoft Teams dynamic view and, in the future, Zoom Smart Gallery.