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Scientists succeed in ‘mind-reading’ using ChatGPT

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With the help of artificial intelligence (AI) powered ChatGPT, neuroscientists believe they have found a way to translate the activity of the brain into words, a major discovery that can help patients with conditions like “locked-in” syndrome, stroke, etc that render them unable to communicate.

The scientists from the University of Texas in Austin used the groundbreaking OpenAI’s human-like chatbot showing its applications in the healthcare sector as AI is on the way to modernisation and advancement, eventually touching every part of our daily lives.

Alexander Huth, assistant professor of neuroscience and computer science at the University of Texas at Austin, told CNN, “so, we don’t like to use the term mind reading. We think it conjures up things that we’re actually not capable of.”

Professor Huth participated in research and spent spending 20 hours in the confines of an fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging)  machine with audio clips he was listening to. Meanwhile, the machine captured detailed snaps of his brain activity.

OpenAIs ChatGPT logo is seen in this illustration. — Reuters/File
OpenAI’s ChatGPT logo is seen in this illustration. — Reuters/File

The AI system analysed his brain activity and the audio he was listening leading the technology to eventually foretell the words he was hearing just by watching his brain.

The technology researchers used was OpenAI’s chatGPT-1 model — which developed a huge database of books and websites.

The researchers found that the AI system accurately predicted what participants were listening to and watching by observing mental activity.

Despite its initial stages, the technology shows promise. It also underlines that AI cannot easily read our minds.

“The real potential application of this is in helping people who are unable to communicate,” Huth explained.

The researchers believed that this technology could be used in the future by people with “locked-in” syndrome, stroke and others whose brains are working but they could not speak.

“Ours is the first demonstration that we can get this level of accuracy without brain surgery. So we think that this is kind of step one along this road to actually helping people who are unable to speak without them needing to get neurosurgery,” he said.

A screen can be seen showing the OpenAI logo with ChatGPT visible behind the phone. — AFP/File
A screen can be seen showing the OpenAI logo with ChatGPT visible behind the phone. — AFP/File

Though the results of the technology are promising, it also raised concerns about how it would be used in controversial areas.

The researchers noted that brain scans “need to occur in an fMRI machine, the AI technology needs to be trained on an individual’s brain for many hours, and subjects need to give their consent.”

If someone resists listening to audio and does not think as per the requirement, it simply won’t work.

Jerry Tang, the lead author of a paper explained: “We think that everyone’s brain data should be kept private. Our brains are kind of one of the final frontiers of our privacy.”

Tang explained that “obviously there are concerns that brain decoding technology could be used in dangerous ways.”

Huth stated: “What we can get is the big ideas that you’re thinking about. The story that somebody is telling you, if you’re trying to tell a story inside your head, we can kind of get at that as well.”

Voicing concerns, Tang told CNN that lawmakers need to take “mental privacy” seriously to protect “brain data” — our thoughts — two of the more dystopian terms I’ve heard in the era of AI.

“It’s important not to get a false sense of security and think that things will be this way forever,” Tang warned.

“Technology can improve and that could change how well we can decode and change whether decoders require a person’s cooperation.”

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Balochistani Graduates Selected for NUTECH Islamabad’s Mining Program

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For 18 graduates of the Reko Diq Mining Project, the National University of Technology, Islamabad, has started a training program. These graduates will complete an 18-month on-the-job training program at Barrick’s International Mining Sites after completing a two-month course at NUTECH.

The graduates will acquire proficiency in mining and associated technical domains during the training program. The chosen graduates will also get specific instruction on environmental protection, safety, exploration, and geology.

Along with the development of communication skills, the curriculum will also emphasise the most recent advancements in the mining industry. Barrick’s International Graduate Development Program for 2024 includes the Balochistani graduates.

Additionally, nine Baloch graduates were selected in 2023 and transported to Barrick’s facility in Argentina for on-the-job training.

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WhatsApp will improve the updates tab by introducing new shortcuts and a revamped interface.

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WhatsApp is implementing a new upgrade to refine the Updates tab interface, hence boosting accessibility for status and channel updates.

WABetaInfo reports that the upgrade introduces expedited shortcuts that streamline the updating of statuses and channels. Users can now select and upload photos and videos directly from the interface, reducing the steps involved in choosing media from the gallery.

The Meta-owned messaging application has also revamped the button for generating text-based status updates and introduced a feature for recording and sharing voice status updates. This offers customers a more expedient method to disseminate text and speech updates without depending on the floating action button.

The revisions correspond with recent modifications to other tabs, ensuring a modernised interface that improves navigation and update creation. WhatsApp is modifying the floating action button to facilitate content sharing within channels.

When selecting the floating action button, users will see several options, including creating status updates, starting new channels, or sharing photos, videos, voice, and text in existing channels. This revamp integrates all content-generating options into a singular section.

The new shortcuts are anticipated to be accessible to a broader user base in the forthcoming weeks. Beta testers can currently access them in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android, version 2.24.26.13, available on the Google Play Store.

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China and Pakistan Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Launch AI-Powered Agricultural Equipment

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Through Chinese expertise, the arrangement, which was made possible by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), intends to increase Pakistan’s agricultural output.

The Punjab government and China’s “AI Force Tech” company have inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to introduce advanced agricultural machinery during Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s visit to China.

Through the use of advanced robotic technology, the MoU seeks to transform Pakistan’s agricultural industry, guarantee economic growth, and boost farmers’ wealth with China’s assistance.

Through the partnership, Pakistan would also have the chance to absorb knowledge about China’s sophisticated farming methods.

In the meantime, plans have been revealed by the Federal Minister of Planning to send 1,000 agricultural experts to China to study contemporary farming methods.

A Chinese business and the Punjab government previously inked an agreement to introduce cutting-edge cancer treatment technologies to Punjab.

Maryam Nawaz signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hygea Medical Technologies while she was in China in order to introduce cutting-edge cancer treatment equipment and techniques to Punjab.

This equipment will make it feasible to treat cancer without the need for chemotherapy or surgery.

Following a meeting with Hygea Medical Technologies President Dr. Luo Fuliang, Maryam Nawaz said the organization has promised expert assistance for the establishment of the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital.

She went on to say that the hospital will work with China to treat cancer patients utilizing the newest equipment and techniques following the agreement.

Maryam Nawaz and a high-level delegation are present. From December 8 to December 15, the chief minister will go to Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou.

CM Maryam Nawaz is expected to attend a number of conferences, events, and meetings with the goal of enhancing bilateral relations and looking into potential joint ventures in the areas of infrastructure development, technology, agriculture, and governance.

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