Monkeys Think, Moving Artificial Arm as Own

By BENEDICT CAREY
Published: May 29, 2008

Two monkeys with tiny sensors in their brains have learned to control a mechanical arm with just their thoughts, using it to reach for and grab food and even to adjust for the size and stickiness of morsels when necessary, scientists reported on Wednesday.

The report, released online by the journal Nature, is the most striking demonstration to date of brain-machine interface technology. Scientists expect that technology will eventually allow people with spinal cord injuries and other paralyzing conditions to gain more control over their lives.

The findings suggest that brain-controlled prosthetics, while not practical, are at least technically within reach.

In previous studies, researchers showed that humans who had been paralyzed for years could learn to control a cursor on a computer screen with their brain waves and that nonhuman primates could use their thoughts to move a mechanical arm, a robotic hand or a robot on a treadmill.

More here

Telstra's 3D hologram party trick

May 27, 2008 - 1:47PM
From The SMH

Forget conference calls or video crosses - beaming your hologram interstate for a live chat is closer to becoming a reality.

In what Telstra says is a national first, the telco today beamed a mobile three dimensional image of its chief technology officer, Hugh Bradlow, from Melbourne to Adelaide to give a live business presentation.

"In Melbourne, we have a high definition video camera which is filming me as I stand here," Dr Bradlow told journalists.

"That signal is being taped across the network and the far end is using a very smart optical projection system to create a holograph, or my virtual presence, in Adelaide."

Dr Bradlow could see who he was talking to in Adelaide via a big, flat panel screen, allowing the real time interaction.

"It has the look and feel of being in the same room together," he said...

Whole article here

Michael Eisner Sees Web's Future in Storytelling - Advertising Age - Digital

Michael Eisner Sees Web's Future in Storytelling - Advertising Age - Digital

By Abbey Klaassen

Published: May 20, 2008
SEATTLE (AdAge.com) -- According to Michael Eisner, story-driven online content is the next big app. "YouTube is to the internet what a nickelodeon is to the movies. It's the preliminary installment of what is to come," he said So what is to come? "Great, creative storytelling."