Monkeys Navigate VR with Thought

Researchers have unveiled a new intracortical brain–computer interface (BCI) that enables macaque monkeys to navigate complex 3D virtual reality environments using only their brain activity. Developed using neural signals from multiple brain regions, including the primary motor cortex and both dorsal and ventral premotor cortices, the system significantly improves the precision and flexibility of decoding real-time movement compared to earlier BCIs. The study demonstrates how combining signals from these areas allows for more natural and continuous control in immersive digital spaces.

In experimental trials, the monkeys successfully completed navigation tasks in VR without any physical movement, relying solely on neural input. They also showed the ability to learn and improve performance over time, with the system generalizing across different tasks without requiring retraining. Researchers highlight the potential of this technology for real-world applications, particularly in assisting people with paralysis to control wheelchairs, prosthetic devices, or explore virtual environments. The findings mark an important step toward more intuitive and adaptive brain-controlled interfaces.

More information:

https://www.rdworldonline.com/new-brain-computer-interface-allows-monkeys-to-navigate-3d-virtual-reality/

AI Decodes Lost Roman Board Game

An international team of researchers has successfully used AI to reconstruct the rules of a mysterious Roman-era board game carved into a limestone slab. The artifact, discovered in the ruins of the ancient town of Coriovallum, had puzzled archaeologists for decades due to its unique pattern of intersecting lines that did not match any known historical games. By utilizing high-resolution 3D scans to map microscopic wear patterns, the team identified where players had repeatedly slid game pieces across the stone. These physical fingerprints of play allowed researchers to use the AI-driven system Ludii to simulate over 100 possible rule sets, eventually narrowing down the most likely gameplay to a blocking game where one player attempts to trap the opponent's pieces.

 

The discovery, recently published in the journal Antiquity, marks a significant breakthrough in both archaeology and digital humanities, as it provides the first evidence that blocking games were played in Europe centuries earlier than previously documented. Dubbed Ludus Coriovalli (the Coriovallum Game), the reconstruction suggests a strategic two-player battle of wits that likely dates back to the late Roman period between AD 250 and 476. Beyond solving a 2,000-year-old mystery, this innovative marriage of AI simulation and use-wear analysis offers a powerful new toolkit for historians to resurrect lost cultural practices from artifacts that lack written records, proving that even the most silent stones still have stories to tell.

More information:

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/ai-roman-board-game-limestone

Dancer Returns to Stage Using Brain-Controlled Avatar

A groundbreaking performance has demonstrated how emerging brain–computer interface technology can restore artistic expression for people living with severe neurological conditions. A ballerina diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) has returned to the stage using a digital avatar controlled by her brainwaves. Wearing an EEG-based headset, the dancer was able to translate imagined movements into real-time digital choreography, allowing her avatar to perform alongside other dancers in a live production. The initiative highlights the growing potential of neurotechnology to bridge physical limitations and enable new forms of creative participation.

Developed through a collaboration between technology and creative teams, the system captures neural signals associated with movement intention and converts them into computer-generated motion. The project not only enabled the performer to reconnect with dance after losing muscular control, but also signals broader applications in rehabilitation, accessibility, and inclusive performance arts. Researchers and developers emphasize that such innovations could transform how individuals with mobility impairments engage with culture, offering scalable solutions that extend beyond the stage into healthcare and assistive technologies.

More information:

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgqkz5lzvnwo

Holograms Enter Political Communication

A new pilot initiative at an airport in Jacksonville has demonstrated the emerging role of holographic technology in public communication, marking a significant step toward the integration of immersive media in political engagement. Using advanced display systems developed by companies such as Proto, a life-sized hologram of the city’s mayor was installed to deliver messages to travelers. The system supports both pre-recorded and interactive formats, showcasing the potential for public officials to extend their presence across multiple locations simultaneously and communicate at scale without the need for physical travel.

The deployment highlights both the opportunities and challenges associated with this technological shift. Proponents emphasize increased accessibility, efficiency, and the ability to reach broader audiences in real time. However, concerns have been raised regarding authenticity, trust, and the implications of AI-enhanced interactions in political contexts. As holographic and AI-driven communication tools continue to evolve, this initiative serves as an early case study in how emerging technologies may reshape the relationship between public figures and citizens, prompting important discussions about transparency, ethics, and the future of democratic engagement.

More information:

https://www.politico.com/news/2026/04/05/airport-holograms-politics-proto-jacksonville-00857411

AI Sonar Hand Tracking

Researchers have developed a system called WatchHand that turns ordinary smartwatches into real-time hand-tracking devices using AI-powered sonar. Instead of relying on cameras or extra sensors, the smartwatch emits inaudible sound waves through its speaker; these waves bounce off the user’s hand and are captured by the microphone. A machine-learning model processes the returning echo profile to reconstruct the hand’s position and finger movements in 3D, in real time, all directly on the device.

This approach is significant because it works on off-the-shelf smartwatches without additional hardware, making it scalable and practical for everyday use. Tests with participants showed it can reliably track gestures like finger movements and wrist rotations, enabling applications such as gesture-based control of computers, AR/VR interaction, and assistive technologies. The system also preserves privacy by processing data locally, though it still has limitations, such as reduced accuracy while the user is moving and current compatibility mainly with Android devices.

More information:

https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/ai-smartwatch-hand-tracking-sonar-watchhand

Digital Twin Hearts Improve Arrhythmia Care

A recent clinical study describes a novel approach to treating ventricular tachycardia, a life-threatening heart rhythm disorder responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths annually. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University created highly detailed “digital twins” of patients’ hearts using MRI scans and other personalized data. These virtual models allowed doctors to simulate different treatment strategies before performing the actual procedure, helping identify the most effective areas to target.

In a small trial of 10 patients, the results were promising: after more than a year, eight patients experienced no recurrence of arrhythmia, and most were able to stop medication. The approach may also reduce procedure time and improve safety by avoiding unnecessary damage to healthy tissue. However, researchers emphasize that this is an early-stage study, and larger trials are needed to confirm effectiveness and expand the method to other conditions such as atrial fibrillation or even cancer treatment.

More information:

https://apnews.com/article/heart-disease-arrhythmia-ventricular-tachycardia-73086c0c3df8758380bef539940fa826

Ultra-Low-Power Face Detection Chip

Nvidia researchers have developed an ultra–low-power, always-on face detection system-on-chip (SoC) capable of identifying human faces in under a millisecond, addressing a key challenge in continuous computer vision: energy consumption. Traditional vision systems can require around 10 watts, which is too high for constant operation, but this chip uses less than 5 milliwatts while maintaining about 99% detection accuracy. It achieves this by activating only briefly (processing each frame in microseconds) and remaining fully powered for just a small fraction of time, enabling efficient real-time performance.

The system’s efficiency comes from a specialized architecture called Alpha-Vision, which combines a lightweight CPU, a deep-learning accelerator, and local SRAM memory to avoid costly data transfers. By storing data locally and using a race-to-sleep strategy (quickly completing computations and then entering low-power mode) it minimizes energy use even further. This design enables practical applications such as laptops that automatically turn screens on/off based on user presence, as well as always-on vision in robotics, drones, and autonomous vehicles, where continuous sensing must not drain power.

More information:

https://spectrum.ieee.org/face-recognition-nvidia-chip-soc

China Approves World’s First Commercial Brain Implant

China has approved the world’s first brain implant for commercial use, marking a major milestone in the development of brain–computer interface (BCI) technology. The device is designed primarily for people with spinal cord injuries, enabling them to regain some lost motor function, such as hand movement, by translating brain signals into commands for external devices. Unlike earlier experimental systems, this implant has moved beyond clinical trials into the market, signaling a shift from research to real-world medical application.

The approval also reflects China’s broader ambition to lead in emerging technologies, including BCIs, where it is competing with efforts in the United States and elsewhere. While technology shows promise to restore mobility and improving quality of life, it also raises important ethical and safety considerations, such as long-term effects, data privacy, and the risks of invasive procedures. Overall, the development represents both a breakthrough in assistive medicine and a significant step toward more widespread use of BCIs in the coming years.

More information:

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/china-just-approved-its-first-brain-implant-for-commercial-use-a-world-first/