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The Download: brain-computer interfaces, and teaching an AI model to give therapy

Apr 01, 2025 - technologyreview.com
The article provides a snapshot of current technological advancements and issues. It highlights the progress in brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), which are being tested in clinical trials to help paralyzed individuals control computers through imagined movements. Additionally, it discusses the potential of AI therapy bots, which have shown promising results in a clinical trial for treating depression and anxiety, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right training data.

The article also covers various tech industry updates, including warnings for tech workers on high-skilled visas about leaving the US, OpenAI's significant funding round for developing AGI, and SpaceX's unique polar orbit mission. Other topics include Amazon's AI model for task completion, DeepMind's restrictive publication policy, and the challenges faced by farmworkers due to extreme heat, with researchers developing sensors to prevent heat-related illnesses. The piece concludes with lighter notes on cultural trends and upcoming events.

Key takeaways:

  • Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are advancing towards practical applications, with about 25 clinical trials currently underway.
  • The first clinical trial for a generative AI therapy bot showed positive results for people with depression, anxiety, or eating disorders.
  • Tech companies are advising immigrant workers on high-skilled visas not to leave the US due to potential re-entry issues.
  • OpenAI has secured a $40 billion funding round to advance its work on artificial general intelligence (AGI).
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