How your brain data could be used against you

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Brain stimulation technologies, from implantable electrodes to remote treatments, are quickly becoming more mainstream. This means that we have to consider how the data collected from these treatments might be used against us in a court of law. For example, the heart data of Ross Compton was used against him in a criminal case. Neuroscientists are also exploring brain stimulation for a wide range of conditions, including long Covid and depression, as well as ways to enhance healthy brains. We need to think now about how to protect this data, so that it can’t be used against us in the future. Read full article here

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With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here

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A look inside the lab building mushroom computers

The Unconventional Computing Laboratory at the University of the West of England is pushing the boundaries of computing, working to see if mushrooms can be used to carry out computing and sensing functions. By stimulating the mycelium—the branching, web-like root structure of the fungus—researchers can get it to produce electrical activity and see if it can be used to create complex, multi-dimensional functions that are more precise than traditional computers. This could lead to a whole new world of possibilities, such as using mushrooms to create fault-tolerant, energy-efficient computers and even mapping neural networks. It’s truly a fascinating field of study – and one that could shape the future of computing. Read full article here

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