Latest news with #AmyotrophicLateralSclerosis
Indian Express
19 hours ago
- Health
- Indian Express
How a brain implant and AI can help a paralysed person speak and sing short melodies
Many neurological diseases can disrupt the connection between the brain and the muscles that allow us to speak, including the jaw, lips and tongue. But researchers at the University of California, Davis, have now developed a brain-computer interface that quickly translates brain activity into audible words on a computer. Which means that people who've lost the ability to speak from paralysis or disease can engage in natural conversations. How does this work? The interface uses electrodes, either implanted directly on the brain's surface or placed on the scalp, which decode electrical activity in the brain related to speech. It interprets signals associated with attempted or imagined speech, then translates them into usable outputs like text or synthesized speech in real time via a computer. The latest study, on how this technology helped a man 'speak' flexibly and expressively through a computer, was published recently in the scientific journal, Nature. 'The brain-computer interface described in this study is the first-of-its-kind as it translates brain activity directly into expressive voice within milliseconds, giving the participant full control over not only what they speak but also how they speak. This has not been achieved before,' says first author Maitreyee Wairagkar, who is a project scientist at the UC Davis Neuroprosthetics Lab. Why this new module is practical Assistive communication devices such as eye-trackers and speller boards that are currently available to people with speech loss are slow and tedious to use. 'A brain-computer interface offers a potential solution to restore communication by bypassing the damaged pathways of the nervous system and directly intercepting this information from the brain,' say researchers. How the next generation of brain-computer interface can reconstruct voice According to Wairagkar, previous BCI studies deciphered brain activity and vocalised them into words on the computer. 'But speech is more than just words – not only what we say but also how we say it determines the meaning of what we want to convey. We change our intonation to express different emotions – all these nuanced aspects of speech are not captured by text-based communication technologies. Moreover communication via text is slow whereas our speech is fast and allows real-time conversations. The next generation brain-computer interface can modulate and even 'sing' short simple melodies,' says Wairagkar. On the scope of study The study was conducted on a patient of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease. It is a neurodegenerative disease that gradually weakens the muscles and leads to paralysis. So patients are unable to move or speak. Their cognition or the ability to process the world around them, however, remains intact throughout the disease, which means that even if they want to speak or move, they are unable to do so due to the paralysis caused by ALS. In this trial, four microelectrode arrays (devices containing multiple microscopic electrodes, in this case 256) were surgically placed in the area of the ALS patient's brain that controls the movement of his vocal tract, which in turn enables speech. Researchers then developed a brain-computer interface that translated his brain activity directly into voice, using artificial intelligence algorithms. It enabled him to speak expressively through a computer in real-time. To train the artificial intelligence algorithms, researchers first asked the participant to speak the sentences displayed on the screen, so that they knew what he was trying to say. 'Then we trained these algorithms to map the brain activity patterns to the sounds he was trying to make with each word,' Wairagkar explains. What next? Although the findings are promising, the study was done with a single clinical trial participant. It will now have to be expanded to other patients, including those who have speech loss from other causes such as stroke, to see if this result is being replicated. 'We want to improve the intelligibility of the system such that it can be used reliably for day-to-day conversations. This could be achieved through developing more advanced artificial intelligence algorithms to decode brain activity, recording higher quality neural signals and improved brain implants,' says Dr Wairagkar. Anuradha Mascarenhas is a journalist with The Indian Express and is based in Pune. A senior editor, Anuradha writes on health, research developments in the field of science and environment and takes keen interest in covering women's issues. With a career spanning over 25 years, Anuradha has also led teams and often coordinated the edition. ... Read More
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Health
- Business Wire
NTT Wins Fast Company World Changing Ideas Award for Project Humanity
TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- NTT Corporation (NTT), announced that Project Humanity, a groundbreaking platform that enables those with limited physical mobility to operate digital avatars in virtual spaces, has received a Fast Company World Changing Ideas 2025 Award. Developed in collaboration with Dentsu Lab Tokyo and WITH ALS, Project Humanity revolutionizes interface technology by converting EMG signals generated by muscular contraction into control signals, enabling users with limited physical mobility to operate digital avatars. Project Humanity exemplifies NTT's commitment to conducting fundamental research and development to create technology that betters health, wellbeing, connection and society for all, including through the work of NTT R&D and NTT Research labs. Share 'Project Humanity is a revolutionary system intended to give more physical freedom to people with disabilities and enable them to engage with society more meaningfully,' reads Project Humanity's entry on Fast Company's 2025 list of 100 winning projects. 'An interface converts EMG signals—which are generated by contracting muscles—into control signals for use on various digital platforms. It's an intuitive communication method for people with limited mobility, particularly those with ALS.' Muto Masatane is a DJ living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and founder of the advocacy organization WITH ALS. Masatane has utilized Project Humanity to perform concerts live and in the metaverse via a digital avatar, including at SXSW 2024. In addition, NTT hosted "DE & I eSports," an inclusive event that allowed people living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and Muscular Dystrophy to interact remotely from their homes in Japan with able-bodied people at venues in Japan and France. Looking ahead, developers plan to expand the technology's use cases to improve day-to-day opportunities for those living with disabilities, including creating greater access to education via virtual classrooms, realizing richer communication capabilities for those living with ALS, supporting the movement of people with spinal cord injuries and further supporting the encouragement of participation for people with dementia. NTT: Innovating for a Better Future for All Fast Company's World Changing Ideas Awards celebrate innovative ideas and projects that make the world a better place, including through social impact, environmental awareness, technological innovation and social equity. Project Humanity exemplifies NTT's commitment to conducting fundamental research and development to create technology that betters health, wellbeing, connection and society for all, including through the work of NTT R&D and NTT Research labs. For example, NTT's Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) All-Photonics Network recently connected performers in Japan and Taiwan at Osaka Expo 2025 for a first-of-its-kind, real-time co-production of a traditional kabuki performance using the APN's ultra-low latency and ultra-low power capabilities. The company also announced in April the successful demonstration of a world-first drone capable of triggering, guiding and 'catching' lightning to protect individuals and infrastructure from dangerous lightning strikes. At Upgrade 2025, NTT Research, the Silicon Valley-based fundamental research arm of NTT, announced the creation of the Physics of Artificial Intelligence (PAI) Group dedicated to studying the 'black box' nature of AI and machine learning to develop more trustworthy, safe and sustainable AI-based systems. Additionally, NTT Research's Medical & Health Informatics (MEI) Lab is advancing the creation of a cardiovascular bio digital twin to improve precision healthcare, including through the Autonomous Closed-Loop Intervention System (ACIS). ACIS improves the treatment of severe cardiac events by autonomously optimizing and administering multiple cardiac drugs and therapies simultaneously. In 2024, NTT, NTT DATA and NTT R&D deployed Embodied Knowledge technology at the Indianapolis 500 automotive race. This cybernetic technology powered simulators that allowed users to experience the track in extended reality (XR) as driven by professional drivers, exceeding the capabilities of traditional simulators by adding factors like realistic steering wheel forces, driver seat forces and car vibrations. But, researchers expect Embodied Knowledge technology to have a diverse range of future use cases, including medical surgery training, employee training in fields like retail and manufacturing and enabling AI robots to move and react more like humans (better serving functions such as in-home caregiving). For more information about Project Humanity, please visit: For more information about NTT's R&D initiatives, please visit: About NTT NTT contributes to a sustainable society through the power of innovation. We are a leading global technology company providing services to consumers and businesses as a mobile operator, infrastructure, networks, applications, and consulting provider. Our offerings include digital business consulting, managed application services, workplace and cloud solutions, data center and edge computing, all supported by our deep global industry expertise. We are over $90B in revenue and 340,000 employees, with $3B in annual R&D investments. Our operations span across 80+ countries and regions, allowing us to serve clients in over 190 of them. We serve over 75% of Fortune Global 100 companies, thousands of other enterprise and government clients and millions of consumers.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Eric Dane ALS: Grey's Anatomy's Eric Dane reveals ALS fight — spot the early signs before it's too late
What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis? ADVERTISEMENT Can ALS be treated? ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT FAQs Grey's Anatomy star Eric Dane, recently confessed to being suffering from ALS. The actor claimed it all started with a tinge in his right hand, but shrugged it off thinking it's P R Ranjen, a neurologist for Apollo Hospitals , said that he himself mistook an ALS of a 60-year-old patient in his right palm as a routine nerve irritant, the Indian Express the patient later lost full function of his right arm, couldn't swim, and had fast muscle loss. Dr. Renjen said early diagnosis is key, because starting treatment early can help slow the warned that ALS symptoms often look like other nerve problems, so it's easy to misdiagnose or delay treatment. He advised that anyone with nerve complaints or even muscle flickering should go see a neurologist immediately, as stated in the report by The Indian Express.A motor neuron disease, ALS, wrecks the nerves that control muscle movements. It hampers the signals sent by the brain to the muscles, causing a lingering muscle pain and over time severely damaging movements like swallowing and breathing, reports impacting people between ages of 45 to 70 years. However, it can rarely also happen to juveniles in the form of motor neuron disease. No particular reason has been ascertained to itA small number of cases are genetic, passed from a parent. It's a rare disease — only about 5 people in every 100,000 in India get ALS. It's seen more in men than in women, as per the report by The Indian is very important, because some similar problems can be treated and cured, unlike like nerve conduction test and electromyography help confirm if it's is no cure yet for ALS. But doctors can help manage the symptoms and slow down the disease. Medicines like Riluzole and Edaravone can help slow down disease progression and increase survival time, as per therapy can help keep muscles working longer. Speech therapy becomes helpful when talking or swallowing gets tough. As breathing weakens, special breathing machines can support patients. Things like wheelchairs, communication tools, and feeding tubes can help people stay independent, according to the report by The Indian and mental health support is also very important — both for the person with ALS and their family or caregivers. Many ALS patients show amazing strength and courage, even as they face this tough journey, as stated by Dane revealed he is battling ALS, a serious nerve Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a disease that weakens the nerves that control your muscles. Over time, it affects movement, speech, swallowing, and even breathing.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Grey's Anatomy's Eric Dane reveals ALS fight — spot the early signs before it's too late
Actor Eric Dane disclosed his ALS diagnosis. ALS is a motor neuron disease impacting muscle control. Early diagnosis is crucial for slowing its progression. Symptoms can mimic other nerve issues. Tests help confirm ALS. While there's no cure, treatments manage symptoms. Riluzole and Edaravone may help. Physical, speech, and breathing therapies aid patients. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Can ALS be treated? FAQs Grey's Anatomy star Eric Dane, recently confessed to being suffering from ALS. The actor claimed it all started with a tinge in his right hand, but shrugged it off thinking it's P R Ranjen, a neurologist for Apollo Hospitals , said that he himself mistook an ALS of a 60-year-old patient in his right palm as a routine nerve irritant, the Indian Express the patient later lost full function of his right arm, couldn't swim, and had fast muscle loss. Dr. Renjen said early diagnosis is key, because starting treatment early can help slow the warned that ALS symptoms often look like other nerve problems, so it's easy to misdiagnose or delay treatment. He advised that anyone with nerve complaints or even muscle flickering should go see a neurologist immediately, as stated in the report by The Indian Express.A motor neuron disease, ALS, wrecks the nerves that control muscle movements. It hampers the signals sent by the brain to the muscles, causing a lingering muscle pain and over time severely damaging movements like swallowing and breathing, reports impacting people between ages of 45 to 70 years. However, it can rarely also happen to juveniles in the form of motor neuron disease. No particular reason has been ascertained to itA small number of cases are genetic, passed from a parent. It's a rare disease — only about 5 people in every 100,000 in India get ALS. It's seen more in men than in women, as per the report by The Indian is very important, because some similar problems can be treated and cured, unlike like nerve conduction test and electromyography help confirm if it's is no cure yet for ALS. But doctors can help manage the symptoms and slow down the disease. Medicines like Riluzole and Edaravone can help slow down disease progression and increase survival time, as per therapy can help keep muscles working longer. Speech therapy becomes helpful when talking or swallowing gets tough. As breathing weakens, special breathing machines can support patients. Things like wheelchairs, communication tools, and feeding tubes can help people stay independent, according to the report by The Indian and mental health support is also very important — both for the person with ALS and their family or caregivers. Many ALS patients show amazing strength and courage, even as they face this tough journey, as stated by Dane revealed he is battling ALS, a serious nerve Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a disease that weakens the nerves that control your muscles. Over time, it affects movement, speech, swallowing, and even breathing.
Sky News AU
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
'Going back to my roots': Aussie supermodel Jess Hart says she wants to raise her children, Baby-Rae and Glorious, in Ballarat after decades overseas
Australian supermodel Jess Hart has revealed she plans to return home and raise her children in Australia, after spending more than two decades living abroad. The 39-year-old, who was born in Sydney and raised in Melbourne, has lived overseas since she was a teenager, first moving to Paris at age 15 to pursue her modelling career after winning Dolly magazine's Model Search in 2000. Hart's career took off quickly, with high-profile campaigns for brands including Victoria's Secret, Guess, L'Oréal, Louis Vuitton and Max Mara. She's graced the pages of Vogue and Sports Illustrated, and called cities like London, New York and Los Angeles home. But now, with four-year-old daughter Baby-Rae, three-year-old son Glorious, and 11-year-old stepdaughter Wren in tow, Hart says she's preparing to lay down roots back in Victoria. "I want my children to be half-Australian and half-American- not just Americans with Australian passports," she told Harper's Bazaar. "I want them to be immersed in Australian culture and grow up the way we did." The supermodel, known for her cheeky gap-toothed grin, is reportedly eyeing a permanent base near Ballarat in regional Victoria- the same area where her late mother Rae's family once lived. Rae tragically died in January 2023 after a battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disorder formerly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. "It would make my mum so happy," Hart said. "[The region is] where her family had homes. I'm going back to my roots, my heritage." She also revealed she's currently exploring schooling options that would allow the family to split their time between both countries. While it's unclear whether Hart and her longtime partner, American NASCAR driver James Kirkham, are still together, she's made no secret of her desire to reconnect with Australia. In September, Hart starred in a Qantas campaign alongside First Nations model Charlee Fraser, with creative direction from Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin. When asked what she misses most about home, Hart quickly responded: "My friends and family." More recently, the supermodel shared a string of sweet snaps from her trip back to Australia on Instagram, including time spent at Sydney's Crown with her children. "Three little monkeys…. Just busy creating winter memories in Australia," she captioned the post. She also made an appearance at Australian Fashion Week in May, opening the Bianca Spender show to the delight of fashion insiders.
