How AI Can Uncover the World’s Oldest Archeological Mysteries – The Daily Beast

This month, a trio of computer scientists won the Vesuvius Challenge, a competition to use artificial intelligence to reveal four passages of ancient Greek encased for 2,000 years inside a charred scroll. The artifact was found at Herculaneum, a Roman resort town destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D..

This kind of thing that happens every half century or so, Richard Janko, a professor of classics at the University of Michigan and one of the judges for the competition, told The Daily Beast. Federica Nicolardi, a papyrologist at the University of Naples Federico II in Italy and a fellow judge, told The Daily Beast that the discovery could be a huge revolution.

The technology enables archeologists to potentially see inside ancient burnt, sodden, and sealed texts. This includes works of classical antiquity, to hidden writing wrapped up in Egyptian mummies, to books burned in World War II, to the many thousands of fragments of texts found in the Dead Sea that could shed new light on the early history of Christianity.

Perfectly preserved by the volcanic eruption, the town is a kind of in-between space where destruction and conservation go hand-in-hand, Nicolardi said. Archeologists have spent centuries excavating sections of the Herculaneum, including the Villa Dei Papiri, from which about 1,800 cataloged fragments or entire scrolls have been recovered.

Herculaneum scroll with red laser lines being scanned at Institut de France by Brent Seales and his team.

However, the scrolls are incredibly fragile. After all, theyre ancient on top of being burned and charred. As a result, several hundred have been ruined by people trying to unroll them manually or using machines. Due to this, there are only a few hundred left that can potentially be read.

Thats the genesis behind the competition: If the team could crack one of them open digitally, then digitally unwrapping anything else would be easy by comparison.

The contest was backed by ex-GitHub CEO Nat Friedman and Y Combinator partner Daniel Gross who offered a $1 million grand prize to the person or team who could generate at least four columns of readable digital text from scans of a Herculaneum scroll by the end of 2023. The winning team was made up of AI engineers named Youssef Nader, Julian Schillinger, and Luke Farritor who were able to recover 15 columns of text from the papyrus, revealing the ancient Greek lines laid out like a newspaper.

The process they used was originally developed by Brent Seales, a computer scientist at the University of Kentucky who has spent 20 years using technology to digitally analyze and restore ancient texts. The tool, called the Volume Cartographer, uses AI to digitally unwrap the layers of a single burnt papyrus scroll that Seales team had made 3D scans of.

But the challenge isnt over yet. The teams winning entry reveals just five percent of a single scroll. For 2024, Friedman, Gross, and Seales have a new competition: Unroll a whole scroll to win a $100,000 prize. Eventually, they want to digitally unwrap all the surviving and intact Herculaneum scrolls.

If they achieve that, then the library could reveal new information about some of the most famous figures in history such as Aristotle and Archimedes. Janko added that the text the competition has revealed may have been written by Philodemus, an Epicurean philosopher and teacher of the famous Roman poet, Virgil.

But first, more of the scroll needs to be segmented, which is the technical term for unraveling the digital layers of papyrus. Then theres a matter of translating what they find, which can be a herculean taskpotentially made less so with the help of AI. Reading the papyrus is not just a matter of recognizing letters, Nicolardi said. It is more a matter of understanding the text.

Using computers and scanning techniques in archeology is not new. The first mummy to be analyzed using X-ray occurred in 1896. Such technology has long been used to uncover archeological discoveries since then for more than a century. Before Seales digital unwrapping tool, though, Janko estimated it would have taken at least 500 years to go through the Herculaneum scrolls.

Seales has solved the problem of unrolling the fragile scrolls by using synchrotron scanning, which involves shooting a powerful particle accelerators laser at a scroll and to create high-fidelity X-rays that show all its layers. From there, each layer has to be picked out and segmented. The inner layers are the easiest to peel apart, Seales said.

That has been incredibly gratifying to see this youthful brain trust of people, who really understand AI, to see them being excited about classics, Seales said.

While this protocol has only been used on these scrolls so far, it has a wide range of archeological applications. For example, Seales has used the technology to digitally unwrap some of the Dead Sea Scrolls, as well as a copy of the Book of Leviticus recovered from a burnt synagogue at En Gedi, Israel dating to the third or fourth century C.E..

He also plans to scan and decipher a still-sealed Egyptian papyrus scroll that is housed in the Smithsonian Collection. This artifact, bandaged in linen and sealed with wax marked with the symbol of Amenhotep III dates to about 1400 B.C.E. and has never been opened.

Seales has also used the technique to see inside burned medieval books recovered from the wreckage of Chartres, a French town near Paris that was largely destroyed in World War II during an Allied bombing campaign in 1944.

Another potential treasure trove could be lurking deep in the Black Sea, Janko said. There are at least 67 ancient shipwrecks on the seabed thatbecause the water is devoid of oxygen below 140 meters depth or sohave never decayed, freezing them and their cargo in time. Amongst the potential treasure trove is a box of books and scrolls that could hold even more ancient historical secrets. It might now be possible to retrieve and see inside those papyri thanks to this technological advance, Janko said.

Its not just the classics that may see a renaissance in discoveries: There is also the possibility to apply the technology to old film reels and negatives that have become corroded and unable to be developed or read using traditional methods, Seales said.

For now, though, researchers are still working on a translation they feel confident in for the 15 columns they have so far. This is a process that even the most hubristic Silicon Valley evangelist cant speed up, Nicolardi explained.I think there is a moment for this kind of speedy work and there is another moment when you have to stop a little bit and think about it and reflect, she said. The scroll itself makes much the same point. Nicolardi notes that its last sentence roughly translates to: May the truth be always evident to us.

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How AI Can Uncover the World's Oldest Archeological Mysteries - The Daily Beast

Highmark Teams With Google on AI-Powered Health Partnership – PYMNTS.com

Highmark Health is working with Epic and Google Cloud to support payer-provider coordination.

Epics Payer Platform improves collaboration between health insurers and health providers, the companies said in a Monday (Feb. 26) news release. Now, by connecting to Google Cloud, the insights shared with payers and providers can be used to inform consumers of the next best actions in their care journeys.

The Epic platform allows for better payer-provider collaboration by driving automation, faster decision-making and better care while lowering burdens and fragmentation, according to the release.

Google Clouds data analytics technologies, meanwhile, can help facilitate insights shared with provider partner organizations using Epic, Highmark health plan staff, and Highmark members through other integrated digital channels like the My Highmark member portal.

Highmark Healths use of Google Cloud will enable the organization to create an intelligence system equipped with AI to deliver valuable analytics and insights to healthcare workers, patients and members, said Amy Waldron, director of healthcare and life sciences strategy and solutions at Google Cloud. Highmark Healths investment in cloud technology is delivering real-time value and simplifying communications; its redefining the provider and consumer experience.

As PYMNTS wrote late last year, the intersection of AI and healthcare was one of 2023s more exciting developments, with generative AI finding its way into areas ranging from medical imaging and pathology to electronic health record data entry.

PYMNTS Intelligence found that the generative AI healthcare market is expected to reach $22 billion by 2032, providing several possibilities for improved patient care, diagnosis accuracy and treatment outcomes.

Many of the latest AI innovations, including those aimed at helping doctors pull insights from healthcare data and allow users to find accurate clinical information more efficiently, are designed to help put clinician pajama time the time spent on paperwork after shifts are ostensibly over to rest.

These problems typically cost providers significant amounts of time and resources, and a variety of point-solutions were brought to market this year to address them, PYMNTS wrote in December.

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Highmark Teams With Google on AI-Powered Health Partnership - PYMNTS.com

Priority bills in Nebraska Legislature aim at health care – Omaha World-Herald

LINCOLN Near the halfway point of this years legislative session, every Nebraska lawmaker has named their personal priority bill that will set the tone for the remaining 31 days.

Roughly a dozen state senators named health care issues as their priorities, while several others emphasized workforce development and tax reform. Also among the priority bills are a handful that may foreshadow a return to the rancorous debates seen last year.

Lawmakers had until Thursday to name their one personal priority bill for the session. Legislative committees had the same deadline to name up to two priority bills, and over this weekend, Speaker of the Legislature John Arch is considering what 25 bills will be his speaker priorities for the year.

Priority bills are generally given preference by the speaker when scheduling the daily agendas for floor debates. Now that all individual and committee priority bills have been named, Arch said those measures will start coming up more frequently.

From here on out, it will almost exclusively be priority bills on the floor, Arch said.

Health care rose to the top as one of the most popular subjects prioritized this session, including bills to close an insurance loophole for colonoscopies, establish a prescription drug donation program, and expand services for mothers at risk of adverse birth outcomes.

Leading into the session, many lawmakers pinned tax reform and workforce development solutions such as affordable housing, education and child care improvements as top issues for the Legislature to focus on this year.

Those issues came up on the priority list as well, particularly among committee priority bills. Among individual priorities, however, they were a bit more scarce. There is a bill from State Sen. John Fredrickson of Omaha to subsidize child care for child care workers, a bill from Sen. Robert Clements of Elmwood to eliminate the inheritance tax, and a bill from Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln to eliminate barriers to obtaining work licenses.

Conrad said she considers the high number of health care bills as part of the push to pass workforce development proposals. She said that health care is directly tied to workforce challenges and that the prioritized health care bills would help Nebraskas working families.

Overall, Conrad said she was happy with what bills were prioritized this year, saying they help reset the tone from the drama-filled debates that ate up much of last years session. Lawmakers are leaning back into the Legislatures nonpartisan structure, she said, which helps with collaboration on policies that will help Nebraskans most.

Its how its supposed to be in the Nebraska Legislature, Conrad said.

However, there are still several priority bills that are likely to turn into a fight if they make it to floor debates. Most notably, there is Legislative Bill 575, dubbed the Sports and Spaces Act, introduced and prioritized by Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha. The bill would restrict access to K-12 school bathrooms and locker rooms on the basis of biological sex and would add similar restrictions to most school sports teams.

Last year, Kauth prioritized LB 574, which restricted access to gender-affirming care for people under 19. An amendment late in the session also tightened Nebraskas abortion restrictions to 12 weeks, and the combination measure passed. It was the most contentious bill of the session, and was the reason for a session-long filibuster led by one of the bills opponents. Kauth said she expects LB 575 to also be filibustered if it gets to the floor.

The bill has been stuck in committee since last year, but Kauth said she isnt concerned. She said lawmakers are holding the bill in committee until the Legislature gets closer to all-day floor debates, which begin in March. That way, if the bill gets filibustered, its less likely to take up multiple days for each of its three rounds, she said.

Arch said he plans to spread out the controversial priority bills in his agenda scheduling, mixing simpler bills in between to give lawmakers time to negotiate. Part of the challenge of the speakers job, he said, is anticipating how much time is needed for each agenda item.

You cant just back up difficult bills and run them back to back, Arch said.

Another possible floor fight is expected on LB 1009, introduced and prioritized by Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston. The bill would adjust the abortion restrictions passed last year to add an exception for cases of fatal fetal anomalies, and clarify that women who receive abortions cannot be charged with criminal penalties.

Riepe proposed a 12-week abortion ban last year as an amendment to a measure that would have set Nebraskas abortion restrictions at six weeks. After that bill failed, other senators drafted an amendment to add a 12-week abortion ban to LB 574. Riepe voted to support it, but he says he didnt like the legislation that passed and blames himself for not working harder to fix it.

Riepe has made it clear that LB 1009 doesnt relate to elective abortions, but instead makes it possible for expectant mothers to receive abortions if two physicians agree that her pregnancy isnt viable. He said many women dont learn about fatal fetal anomalies until after the 12-week mark, and says it isnt fair to expect them to carry their pregnancies to term when they know the outcome.

State government is not the place to have a law on this, Riepe said.

Although Riepe framed his bill as a reasonable alternative between easing Nebraskas abortion laws and restricting them further, he said he doesnt expect to see much support from either side of the debate. Sen. Joni Albrecht of Thurston, who has led the charge for increased abortion restrictions in the Legislature, has said she opposes LB 1009, but Riepe said he hopes to find support from other conservative lawmakers.

Other highlights of this years priority bills include:

Obscenity LB 441, introduced and prioritized by Albrecht, would repeal an existing exemption from prosecution, thus making it possible for people working in K-12 schools to be charged with a misdemeanor if they provide obscene materials to minors.

Felons LB 20, introduced by Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha and prioritized by Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln, would restore voting rights for people convicted of felonies once they complete their sentence.

Sex trafficking Constitutional amendment, LR 277CA, introduced and prioritized by Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue, would give Nebraska voters the opportunity to set a minimum life sentence for people convicted of sex or labor trafficking of a minor. All constitutional amendments, once passed by the Legislature, are put on the ballot and require voter approval before taking effect.

Scholarships LB 1402, introduced and prioritized by Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of the Omaha area, would appropriate $25 million to be distributed in grants to scholarship-granting organizations that help students attend private and parochial schools.

Last year, Linehan introduced LB 753, which appropriated funds for tax credits to go to individuals and entities that donated to similar scholarship-granting organizations. That bill, which eventually passed the Legislature, is facing a possible repeal through a voter referendum, but LB 1402 would nullify that effort. Linehan said if LB 1402 passes, she would support a repeal of LB 753.

National Guard LB 1394, introduced and prioritized by Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon, would exempt Nebraska National Guard members from income taxes they incur through payments they received on duty.

Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason poses for a portrait in his home in Omaha on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024.

Omaha Bryan's Abdrirahman Unle jumps into the arms of coach Jason Susnja after pinning North Plate's Tyler Haneborg for during the Class A 113-pound championship match at the CHI Health Center in Omaha on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024.

Omaha Skutt's Kaylyn Harrill, left, wrestles Columbus Lakeview's Lacy Lemburg during the Girls 120-pound championship match at the CHI Health Center in Omaha on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024.

Millard West's Enrique Haynes celebrates his win over Omaha Creighton Prep's Presden Sanchez in the Class A 120-pound championship match at the CHI Health Center in Omaha on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024.

Auburn's Ayden Smith, facing, and Bennington's Lane Welchert compete in the first round of the Class B 106-pound match in the state wrestling championships at the CHI Health Center in Omaha on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024.

Grand Island's Kim Gonzalez, right, and Pierce's Maggie Painter compete in the first round of the girls 120-pound match in the state wrestling championships at the CHI Health Center in Omaha on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024.

Battle Creek's Ashton Kuchar, facing, and Hi-Line's Parker Schutz compete in the second round of the Class C 126-pound match in the state wrestling championships at the CHI Health Center in Omaha on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024.

Omaha North's Joshyonna Coppage-Dortch and Chadron's Josey Werner compete in the first round of the girls 100-pound match in the state wrestling championships at the CHI Health Center in Omaha on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024.

Beatrice's Tristan Reinke, left, wrestles Bennington's Brodee Scobee during the first round of the Class B 132-pound match during the state wrestling championships at the CHI Health Center in Omaha on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024.

Lincoln North Star's Colton Hauschild celebrates his win over Bellevue East's Dillon Ginter during the first round of the Class A 165-pound match during the state wrestling championships at the CHI Health Center in Omaha on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024.

Hershey's Ethan Elliott, right, tries to pin North Bend Central's Zac Mullally during the first round of the Class C132 -pound match during the state wrestling championships at the CHI Health Center in Omaha on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024.

Iowa's Caitlin Clark (22) reacts while answering questions from the media in the post game press conference after the Hawkeyes were defeated by Nebraska, 82-79, at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024.

Nebraska's Alexis Markowski (40) embraces her father, Andy, after the Huskers defeated Iowa, 82-79, at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024.

Nebraska players celebrate with fans after defeating Iowa, 82-79, at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024.

Nebraska's Jacob Van Dee celebrates his win over Michigan's Dylan Ragusin during a 133-pound match at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024.

Nebraska's Caleb Smith picks up Michigan's Michael DeAugustino during a 125-pound match at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024.

Nebraska's Caleb Smith top. wrestles Michigan's Michael DeAugustino during a 125-pound match at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024.

Community members and politicians walk along 24th Street during a Martin Luther King Jr. Keep the Dream Alive March in Omaha on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. The walk was postponed by weather from MLK Day in January.

The sun rises over Lake Wanahoo outside Wahoo on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024.

David Wright, of Bellevue, and his son Michael Wright, of Papillion, ice fish in an insulated shelter on Lake Wanahoo outside Wahoo on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. You can spend time with your friends, family," David Wright said. "Its not so much about the fishing."

Creighton's Steven Ashworth (1) wipes the sweat from his face late in the second half against Butler at CHI Health Center Omaha on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024.

Butler's Augusto Cassi (0), left, and Finley Bizjack (13) celebrate an upset of Creighton at CHI Health Center Omaha on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024.

Butler's Jahmyl Telfort (11), left, and Andre Screen (23) try to steal the ball from Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) at CHI Health Center Omaha on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024.

Creighton's Steven Ashworth (1) celebrates a three-point basket against Butler at CHI Health Center Omaha on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024.

Butler's Finley Bizjack (13) chases a loose ball in the second half against Creighton at CHI Health Center Omaha on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024.

Creighton's Baylor Scheierman (55), right, helps Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) after they lost to Butler at CHI Health Center Omaha on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024.

Creighton fans react to a Butler basket in the second half at CHI Health Center Omaha on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024.

Omaha's Marquel Sutton (10) gets ready for a shot against St. Thomas at Baxter Arena in Omaha on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024.

Omaha takes on St. Thomas at Baxter Arena in Omaha on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024.

Omaha's Marquel Sutton (10) looks to pass the ball around St. Thomass Brooks Allen (4) at Baxter Arena in Omaha on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024.

Looking north on 13th Street from Hickey Street in the Little Bohemia neighborhood toward downtown Omaha.

Doug Harold works at the Tomasek Machine Shop located at 1631 S 13th St.

Doug Harold works at the Tomasek Machine Shop located at 1631 S 13th St.

Wrestlers warm up with jump ropes during practice at Omaha Bryan High School in Omaha on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. Omaha Bryan will be in the state duals for the first time in program history

ebamer@owh.com Twitter @ErinBamer

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Priority bills in Nebraska Legislature aim at health care - Omaha World-Herald

Why This Brain-Hacking Technology Will Turn Us All Into Cyborgs – The Daily Beast

It felt like magic: As I moved my head and eyes across the computer screen, the cursor moved with me. My goal was to click on pictures of targets on the display. Once the cursor reached a target, I would blink causing it to click on the targetas if it were reading my mind.

Of course, thats essentially what was happening. The headband I was wearing picked on my brain, eye, and facial signals. This data was fed through an AI-software that translated it into commands for the cursor. This allowed me to control what was on the screen, even though I didnt have a mouse or a trackpad. I didnt need them. My mind was doing all of the work.

The brain, eye, and face are great generators of electricity, Naeem Kemeilipoor, the founder of brain-computer interface (BCI) startup AAVAA, told The Daily Beast at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show. Our sensors pick up the signals, and using AI we can interpret them.

The headband is just one of AAVAAs products that promises to bring non-invasive BCIs to the consumer market. Their other devices include AR glasses, headphones, and earbuds that all essentially accomplish the same function: reading your brain and facial signals to allow you to control your devices.

While BCI technology has largely remained in the research labs of universities and medical institutions, startups like AAVAA are looking for ways to put them in the handsor, rather, on the headsof everyday people. These products go beyond what we typically expect of our smart devices, seamlessly integrating our brain with technology around us. They also offer a lot of hope and promise for people with disabilities or limited mobilityallowing them to interact with and control their computers, smartphones, and even wheelchairs.

However, BCIs also blur the lines between the tech around us and our very minds. Though they can be helpful for people with disabilities, their widespread use and adoption raises questions and concerns about privacy, security, and even a users very personhood. Allowing a device to read our brain signals throws open the doors to these ethical considerations so, as they steadily become more popular, they could become more dangerous as well.

AAVAAs BCI devices on a table at CES 2024. AAVAA is looking for ways to put them in the handsor, rather, on the headsof everyday people.

BCIs loomed large all throughout CES 2024and for good reason. Beyond being able to control your devices, wearables that could read brain signals also promised to provide greater insights into users health, wellness, and productivity habits.

There were also a number of devices targeted at improving sleep quality such as the Frenz Brainband. The headband measures users brainwaves, heart rate, and breathing (among other metrics) to provide AI-curated sounds and music to help them fall asleep.

Every day is different and so every day your brain will be different, a Frenz spokesperson told The Daily Beast. Today, your brain might feel like white noise or nature sounds. Tomorrow, you might want binaural beats. Based on your brains reactions to your audio content, we know whats best for you.

To produce the noises, the headband used bone conduction, which converts audio data into vibrations on the skull that travel to the inner ear producing sound. Though it was difficult to hear clearly on the crowded show floor of CES, the headband managed to produce soothing beats as I wore them in a demo.

When you fall asleep, the audio automatically fades out, the spokesperson said. The headband keeps tracking all night, and if you wake up, you can press a button on the side to start the sounds to put you back to sleep.

However, not all BCIs are quite as helpful as they might appear. For example, there was MW75 Neuro, a pair of headphones from Master and Dynamic that purports to read your brains electroencephalogram (EEG) signals to provide insights on your level of focus. If you become distracted or your focus wanes for whatever reason, it alerts you so you can maintain productivity.

Sure, this might seem helpful if youre a student looking to squeeze in some more quality study time or a writer trying to hit a deadline on a story, but its also a stark and grim example of late-stage capitalism and a culture obsessed with work and productivity. While this technology is relatively new, its not difficult to imagine a future where these headphones are more commonplace andpotentiallyrequired by workplaces.

When most people think about BCIs, they typically think of brain-chip startups like Synchron and Neuralink. However, these technologies require users to undergo invasive surgeries in order to implant the technology. Non-invasive BCIs from the likes of AAVAA, on the other hand, require just a headband or headphones.

Thats what makes them so promising, Kemeilipoor explained. No longer would it be limited to only those users who really need it like those with disability issues. Any user can pop on the headband and start scrolling on their computer or turning their lamps and appliances on and off.

The Daily Beasts intrepid reporter Tony Ho Tran wears AAVAAs headband, which promises to bring non-invasive BCIs to the consumer market.

Its out of the box, he explained. Weve done the training [for the BCI] and now it works. Thats the beauty of what we do. It works right out of the boxand it works for everyone.

However, the fact that it can work for everyone is a top concern for ethical experts. Technology like this creates a minefield of potential privacy issues. After all, these companies may potentially have completely unfettered access to data from our literal brains. This is information that can be bought, sold, and used against consumers in an unprecedented way.

One comprehensive review published in 2017 in the journal BMC Medical Ethics pointed out that privacy is a major concern for potential users for this reason. BCI devices could reveal a variety of information, ranging from truthfulness, to psychological traits and mental states, to attitudes toward other people, creating potential issues such as workplace discrimination based on neural signals, the authors wrote.

To their credit, Kemeilipoor was adamant that AAVAA would and does not have access to individual brain signal data. But the concerns are still there, especially since there are notable examples of tech companies misusing user data. For example, Facebook has been sued multiple times for millions of dollars for storing users biometric data without their knowledge or consent. (Theyre certainly not the only company doing this either.)

These issues arent going to go awayand theyll be further exacerbated by the infusion of technology and the human brain. This is a phenomenon that also brings up concerns about personhood as well. At what point, exactly, does the human end and the computer begin once you are able to essentially control devices as an extension of yourself like your arms or legs?

The questionis it a tool or is it myself?takes on an ethical valence when researchers ask whether BCI users will become cyborgs, the authors wrote. They later added that some ethical experts worry that being more robotic makes one less human.

Yet, the benefits are undeniableespecially for those for whom BCIs could give more autonomy and mobility. Youre no longer limited by what you can do with your hands. Now, you can control the things around you simply by looking in a certain direction or moving your face in a specific way. It doesnt matter if youre in a wheelchair or completely paralyzed. Your mind is the limit.

This type of technology is like the internet of humans, Kemeilipoor said. This is the FitBit of the future. Not only are you able to monitor all your biometrics, it also allows you to control your devicesand its coming to market very soon.

Its promising. Its scary. And its also inevitable. The biggest challenge that we all must face is thatas these devices become more popular and we gradually give over our minds and bodies to technologywe dont lose what makes us human in the first place.

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Why This Brain-Hacking Technology Will Turn Us All Into Cyborgs - The Daily Beast

Four years on, long covid still confounds us. Here’s what we now know. – The Washington Post

Many people now view covid-19 as an almost routine inconvenience, much like flu, RSV and other seasonal infections. But four years after reports surfaced of a new respiratory illness, prompting a massive response among researchers, the diseases aftereffects commonly called long covid continue to confound doctors and patients alike.

We know a lot about this particular coronavirus, said Francesca Beaudoin, chair of the department of epidemiology at Brown University. That does not translate into an understanding of the long-term consequences of infection.

As many as 7 percent of Americans report having suffered from a slew of lingering symptoms after enduring covid-19, including fatigue, difficulty breathing, brain fog, joint pain and ongoing loss of taste and smell, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But there is still no clearly defined cause of, or cure for the syndrome.

The costs of our lack of understanding are vast, Beaudoin and others say, creating a huge new burden on the health-care system, as people report limitations in their daily activities including being able to work.

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Four years on, long covid still confounds us. Here's what we now know. - The Washington Post

Daily Wire host plots to smear Disney: "We need to turn Mickey [Mouse] into a Nazi" – Media Matters for America

Citation From the January 3, 2024, edition of The Daily Wire's The Michael Knowles Show

MICHAEL KNOWLES (HOST): Mickey Mouse has to become a Nazi. He has to. Because Disney is a very, very evil corporation that wants to trans your kids and fill their heads with all sorts of crazy ideas, and Disney's gotta go. Disney's gotta go, guys. You heard all the Disney executives talking about their not-so-secret LGBTLMNOP agenda. You've seen what Disney has done in recent years, so much so that the governor of Florida had to take political action against them to stop Disney from trying to interfere in the democratic process in Florida to stop the libs from transing your kids. OK? Disney is really, really bad. And so, one of the best things that we can do right now is make the Disney characters toxic. And coincidentally, call it providentially, whatever it is, the Disney character is now in the public domain.

And what this means is we need to turn Mickey into a Nazi because Nazis are bad. We're not gonna turn Mickey into a Nazi because the Nazis are good. You see, I'm quite anti-Nazi. I assume you are as well. In fact, being a Nazi is the worst thing you can possibly be today and for a very long time. So, we need to turn Disney into the worst thing it can possibly be, and it can be done. In fact, I'm shocked that the mischievous people on places like 4chan and other internet boards haven't done this already.

Remember what they did to that cartoon frog? There was that cartoon frog -- this was many years ago. I'm dating myself to think back on the halcyon years of 2016. 2016, which was eight years ago, by the way. In my mind, 2016 was like two years ago. It was eight years ago. But, anyway, back in those days, there was this cartoon frog that a regular cartoonist had made, and it was kind of a popular webcomic. And then these guys on 4chan turned the frog into a Nazi. And since then, the frog has actually, I think, come out of his Nazi phase. I don't -- it's very difficult to track memes because it's -- it's mimetic. Right? It just kind of -- it moves through imitation, and it's -- it's really hard to get your hands on. But for a while, the frog was a Nazi. And it drove the cartoonist who made the frog completely crazy because the frog became a hate symbol. It was listed on all -- SPLC, ADL, all these different lists. And we can do the same with Mickey Mouse. It's not just enough to make Mickey Mouse a serial killer as you're seeing in these movies. Mickey Mouse has to become the most odious kind of symbol in the entire world. And we have the ability to do it, not using any major institutional power, just through the power of memes by pseudonymous accounts on random internet boards. That's what's gotta happen because Disney's bad, and Disney's gotta go down.

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Daily Wire host plots to smear Disney: "We need to turn Mickey [Mouse] into a Nazi" - Media Matters for America

WATCH LIVE: General counsel to meet with Jacksonville City Council over Confederate Monuments – Yahoo News

Jacksonville City Council members will have some tough questions for the citys General Counsel regarding last weeks removal of the Confederate monument in Springfield Park.

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Where Cultures Collide: Exploring Caribbean and Jewish Tastes with Patacones and Matbucha – Aish

In the cozy realm of comfort foods, hearty dishes typically evoke images of simmering stews and warming soups taking center stage, with fried treats often playing a secondary role. Yet, submerging a favorite dish into sizzling oil has a certain robust charm. Frying, though seen by some as a culinary high-wire act, can be surprisingly soothing.

Imagine a dish where the sun-soaked vibrancy of the Caribbean meets the deep-rooted traditions of Jewish cuisine. Take Hanukkah, for instance: the Jewish tradition of frying sufganiyot, jam-filled doughnuts, and crisp potato latkes represents more than just a festive treat. It symbolizes resilience and faith. As the oil bubbles, it's a culinary metaphor for light persevering in darkness, reminding us that even in challenging times, hope can rekindle anew.

In recent years, a tropical twist has made its way into my Hanukkah celebrations: Patacones, or plantain fritters. Patacones, with their golden, crispy exterior and soft, savory heart, share an inherent kinship with the traditional potato latkes, making them a natural fit for Hanukkah. Their crunchy texture and versatile nature bring a warm, tropical vibe to the winter festivities.

But there's more to these fritters than just their delightful flavor. The story of patacones begins with their name, tracing a linguistic journey from the Arabic batakk to the Spanish patacn. This name, once used to describe coins in the Middle Ages, fittingly captures the fritters' round, coin-like appearance, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.

Originating from Latin America, where they're also known as tostn, tachino, or frito, patacones embody the culinary heritage of regions like Colombia, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic. Plantains are indigenous to equator-bordering lands in Southeast Asia. It grows naturally from India to China. It was introduced in Africa and now flourishes in the tropical and subtropical regions of Latin America. It is the tallest herbaceous perennial plant in the world and can grow up to 33 feet tall. It is one of the richest foods in potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and B6. It is known for its benefits for the digestive system, gastrointestinal diseases, and the prevention of hypertension.

Imagine a chilly Hanukkah evening where friends come together, and patacones serve as a cultural connector. Their tropical roots stand out against the backdrop of winter festivities. Each bite of these warm, crunchy delights reminds us of the significance of enjoying such a dish on a meaningful holiday like Hanukkah, celebrating more than flavors but also the triumph of a gleaming light in darker times.

And what better complements these patacones than a hearty helping of Matbucha? This Maghreb-inspired sauce, now a staple of Israeli cuisine, brings a blend of cooked tomatoes and roasted red peppers to the table. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, Matbucha isn't just a delicious accompaniment; it's a testament to the healthful properties of its ingredients.

As we celebrate Hanukkah with patacones and matbucha, were partaking in more than enjoying a meal; we also celebrate a dish that has traveled continents and brought people together. The juxtaposition of a tropical dish in the winter, savored during a festival of lights, becomes a symbol of unity, resilience, and the enduring power of shared culinary experiences.

Patacones, or twice-fried plantain fritters, find a new culinary companion in the rich, complex flavors of matbucha sauce in this vibrant recipe. Perfect as a starter or a side, this dish brings together the tropical essence of plantains with the depth of Mediterranean spices. Whether for a casual dinner or a festive gathering, this dish is sure to impress with its delightful texture and depth of flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Patacones and Matbucha

Amount per Serving

% Daily Value*

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

In a large pot, bring water to boil. Score the bottom of the tomatoes with a shallow x and blanch them for 1 to 2 minutes; do this in batches if necessary. Add the tomatoes to a large bowl with some ice cubes in it. With a paring knife, carefully peel, halve, and scoop out the seeds. Discard the skin. Coarsely chop and set aside.

On an open flame or under a hot grill, char the red peppers until the skins have softened and are dark. Transfer to a bowl and cover them with plastic wrap for 8-12 minutes. Peel, halve and remove the seeds with a knife or large spoon. Dice the peppers. Blend the tomatoes and peppers in a food processor or blender to a chunky consistency.

Put a large saucepan over medium heat and add olive oil. Add garlic and fry 1-2 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes and peppers and bring to a boil. Then, lower the temperature and add paprika, salt, and pepper flakes. Let it simmer for about 25 to 30 minutes. Cook until all the liquid is reduced, then set aside and garnish with crushed pepper flakes.

Peel the plantains by slicing off the ends and making a lengthwise cut. Remove the skin and slice the plantain thickly, either straight or diagonally. Lift carefully the skin, starting at the corners and continuing through the center. Cut the plantain into thick slices, make straight cuts or diagonal cuts. The wider the slice, the bigger the patty will be.

Heat the oil over medium heat in a large frying pan. Add more if the oil isnt enough to cover the plantain slices. Fry the plantains until they turn yellow, but do not let them brown.

Remove the plantains and, using a potato masher or a meat mallet, carefully mash them lightly to flatten. Fry again until golden brown, seasoning with salt for about 1-2 minutes per side. The result should be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Sprinkle them again with salt and serve them hot with a side of the matbucha sauce.

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Where Cultures Collide: Exploring Caribbean and Jewish Tastes with Patacones and Matbucha - Aish

The best secret beaches in the Caribbean – The Points Guy

Ready to start planning a warm, tropical getaway? Or are you content simply dreaming about future trips to the Caribbean?

Either way, a lot of other people have that same idea, and Caribbean beaches can get crowded quickly. Luckily, there are still some secret spots in the Caribbean where you can relax in your own little slice of paradise and these are 10 of our favorites.

A tiny uninhabited island southeast of Curacao is known for its white, powdery sand and spectacular diving conditions (read: sprawling masses of coral and underwater caves). To get there, you'll need to charter a boat or book a tour with an operator such as Bounty Adventures. Once you explore the lighthouse, swim with sea turtles and snorkel around a shipwreck, you'll definitely be asking, "Can I go back?"

Since you have to get there via boat or group tour, you could stay by the harbor of Willemstad on the main island at Renaissance Wind Creek Curaao Resort. Rates start from just $206 per night in low season. Marriott loyalists can redeem 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night or use a free night certificate from the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card (worth up to 35,000 points).

You won't have to fight for a beach chair at this off-the-beaten-path beach as it's located in the northeast corner of the island, away from the main tourist destinations in Punta Cana.

It's a bit difficult to get to, and there's no restaurant nearby, but that just adds to the secluded nature of the sandy spot. Once there, you'll get to enjoy coconut trees, white sand and turquoise waters with few others in sight. And let your whole family enjoy the seclusion by booking a stay at the nearby Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana or the Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana (from $400 or 25,000 points per night).

When you have to climb down a rope along a cliff to get there, you know it's a secret beach. But that's precisely the adventure it takes to enjoy the secluded nature of Little Bay. While accessing it may be a bit of a harrowing experience, once you get to the white sandy beaches with no crowds, you'll be glad you did. We guess we should mention you can take a chartered boat here, too, though you'll miss out on the adrenaline rush.

Related: The 22 best Caribbean resorts, from boutique literary haunts to exclusive private-island escapes

If you're traveling to Anguilla, there's good news for Hilton loyalists: Zemi Beach House an incredible resort just 15 minutes away from Little Bay and part of Hilton's LXR Hotels & Resorts group is bookable from $930 or 95,000 points per night.

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The uninhabited island, located a half-mile off Bonaire, doesn't have any buildings or people. What you will find, however, is a stunning reef, bright blue waters and unspoiled white-sand beaches. Best of all, No Name Beach is protected by a national park, which means it will never be overrun with hotels and visitors. Eden Beach Resort (rates from $110 per night) is right near a water taxi, making it an affordable and perfectly located home base to explore the stunning island.

Antigua's Half Moon Bay tends to be more deserted than others on the island: There's no sign identifying the mile-long stretch of pink and white sand. Once you find it, though, you're in for a crowd-free euphoria. The beach has something for everyone windsurfers flock to the center to take advantage of the waves, while snorkelers float around the calmer water near the edges.

There are several hotels on the island, including Nonsuch Bay Resort (rates from $354 per night) and Carlisle Bay (rates from $470), as well as excellent all-inclusive resorts.

Related: The best beaches you can visit on a cruise

You'll feel as if you're on a private island here, as this secluded beach is filled with unspoiled white sand and you won't see high-rise hotels or hordes of visitors: just the occasional hammock and umbrella. There are some low-key beach bars and restaurants, but they stay pretty hidden.

If you're going to travel to the British Virgin Islands, you might want to splash out at Scrub Island, a Marriott Autograph Collection property you can book from $629 or 70,000 points per night on off-peak dates.

Rosalie Bay Beach, located in Dominica's remote southeast corner, is a hidden gem of the Caribbean. It's not just the golden sands and crystal-clear waters that make it special; this serene beach is one of the prime spots to witness the mesmerizing nesting rituals of hawksbill turtles. What's more, it's a haven for relaxation.

The accommodations around this area are thoughtfully designed to melt away stress and immerse you in tranquility. While it's a bit of an adventure to get there, the journey is worth every step. The beach has blossomed into a vibrant ecotourism hub, with family-friendly tour packages offering everything from water sports to up-close wildlife encounters.

To check out this beach you can book a room at InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa, an IHG Hotel for around $477 or 50,000 IHG rewards points per night.

Tucked away on the enchanting island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands lies a hidden treasure: Salomon Beach.

A stone's throw away from the bustling Cruz Bay, a mile-long walk through the island's lush vegetation via the Lind Point Trail leads adventurers to this secluded paradise. Whether you take the left or right fork along the trail, both paths converge, revealing a charming sandy nook that stretches for just 25 yards. It's a beach that's often so tranquil and untouched you'd probably find only a handful of fellow sun seekers or, if lucky, have the entire beach to yourself.

The Westin St. John Resort Villas is a great hub to explore this secret spot and will cost around $629 per night or you can redeem 103,000 Marriott Bonvoy rewards points.

Beyond the picturesque Seven Seas Beach lies a lesser-known sanctuary, Playa Escondida.

Translated as "Hidden Beach," its name says it all. From the far left corner of Seven Seas Beach, a captivating trail through the mangroves invites explorers. Wander along this path and choose the right when faced with a fork. Then, at another fork, once again veer right. A short 10-minute trek rewards you with the first secret spot: Playa Colora.

After basking under the sun, possibly with a rum cocktail in hand, retrace your steps to the path, turn right, and in just about five minutes, you'll emerge onto Playa Escondida. Its orange-hued sands and the promise of seclusion make it a true hidden gem. After all, anything with "hidden" in its name promises a magical escape, doesn't it?

Related: The best hotels in Puerto Rico find your stay on the Island of Enchantment

Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico is available from around $411 or 17,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Hidden away, this island feels more like a slice of Kauai than your usual Caribbean haunt. And guess what? It's got the world's tiniest commercial runway! But that's not its only surprise. In just 5 square miles, you'll find everything from misty forests to golden beaches.

And many maps don't even show this gem. Think you've seen every Caribbean beach? Think again. Well's Bay is a real standout here. Imagine tall cliffs with a beach that plays peek-a-boo because of the northern waves. Sometimes it's there, sometimes it's not. If you're keen to catch it, ask the locals. They know the best times. With its quirks and hidden charm, it's no wonder this island boasts one of the best hidden beaches in the Caribbean.

As you can imagine, there aren't a ton of hotels, but Queen's Gardens Resort & Spa is one of the best; rates start from just $260 per night.

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The best secret beaches in the Caribbean - The Points Guy