China syncs monkey brain with a computer in a ‘world first’ experiment

Plus: Ukraine shoots downs Russian hypersonic Kinzhal missile with US Patriot defense system Sponsored by Which nation will be first to perfect brain-computer interfaces? According to Chinese state media, this is a crucial battleground in the “white-hot technology war between China and the US,” and one that China is winning. With a stated aim to help people with motor dysfunction interact with the world, brain-computer interfaces may also make "scenes from science fiction achievable." We've more on the latest Chinese breakthrough below. But first, here’s [your video of the day]( . Good morning. I’m Tim, an Editor at IE. This is The Blueprint. Let's get going. Yesterday, Blueprint subscribers learned about a nanodevice designed to fight pancreatic cancer. Don't miss out — [subscribe to IE+]( today to receive exclusive interviews, features, and much more. VIDEO OF THE DAY [Will the Earth reach its population limit soon?]( [Will the Earth reach its population limit soon?]( How many people do you think the Earth can support? Because as it turns out, we might be reaching that number soon. MUST READ [China syncs monkey brain with a computer]( [China syncs monkey brain with a computer in a ‘world first’ experiment]( Chinese researchers claim to have successfully conducted the “world's first” brain-computer interface (BCI) experiment on a monkey. This development demonstrates that China is allegedly at the forefront of the “white-hot technology war between China and the US,” according to Chinese state-run media reports. "The success of the first animal trial is a breakthrough from zero to one, but getting the success to the clinic is a process from 1 to 100, so we still have a long way to go," said Ma Yongjie, a neurosurgeon at Beijing-based Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University. Brain-computer interface technology translates electrical signals into commands, aiding patients with motor dysfunction "to interact with their environment and improve their quality of life," added Yongjie, who was part of the team that conducted the experiment. To read more about different approaches to brain-computer interfaces, and where the US still holds onto the lead, click below. [Read More]( CULTURE Ukraine downs Russian hypersonic Kinzhal with US Patriot missile defense system Kinzhal is a "next generation" hypersonic weapon that Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that no air defense system in the world can shoot down. However, Ukraine has announced that it used US's air defense system Patriot to effectively intercept a Russian hypersonic missile during a nighttime raid over Kyiv on May 4, according to Mykola Oleshchuk, the commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, who verified this on Telegram. [Read More]( THE SPONSOR OF THE DAY [Internxt]( [Is your cloud storage provider prioritizing privacy and security?]( In a world where data breaches and cyber-attacks are becoming more frequent, securing your files and sensitive information is crucial. That's why secure cloud storage is more important than ever before, especially if you're using it to store sensitive information. And that's precisely where Internxt comes in. Internxt is a cutting-edge cloud storage provider that values privacy, security, and simplicity. With Internxt, you can store your data without worrying about third-party access, data breaches, or data loss. All your files are end-to-end encrypted, which means only you can access them. [Get 80% off on the 2TB plan]( and experience the peace of mind that comes with secure cloud storage with Internxt. [LEARN MORE]( INNOVATION Spider-like robotic AI arms can be attached to and controlled by humans Remember Doctor Octopus and his robotic tentacles in the 2004 movie Spider-Man 2? A Japanese robotics company has engineered a similar system of spider-like robotic limbs consisting of six arms that can be controlled by the user wearing them. These robotic arms can be attached, detached, or even replaced altogether in order to redefine and revolutionize the way humans interact with robots and artificial intelligence (AI). [Read More]( SCIENCE The 8 most innovative technologies in renewable energy Renewable energy technologies have come a long way in recent years, with new and innovative solutions constantly emerging. In this article, we'll look at eight of the most exciting and innovative renewable solar, wind, and hydropower technologies that are changing how we generate and use energy. Investing in these technologies can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and build a more sustainable future. [Read More]( MAIL & MUSINGS Would you consider using a brain-computer interface to boost your connectivity with technology and other people? [Yes, sign me up]( [Maybe one day]( [I will never be assimilated]( [This is what my smartphone does]( YESTERDAY'S RESULTS We asked you about living near a "meltproof" portable nuclear reactor and 39% would be happy doing so, with only 10% believing it would be too risky. 39% I've no concerns 38% Great for remote locations 12% Wind and solar are better 10% No, sounds risky QUOTE OF THE DAY As we push the boundaries of brain-computer interfaces, we must consider the implications for human dignity, autonomy, and the essence of what it means to be human. Dr. Miguel A. Nicolelis THINGS WE LOVE [NEEGO Wireless Bluetooth Headphones]( [Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro]( [Vanguard Alta Sky 45D Backpack]( [Avantree Medley Air TV Earbuds]( [Interesting Engineering]( AND ANOTHER THING - Giraffes' statistical skills make researchers [question big brain theory]( - [Study finds female astronauts more efficient]( suggesting future space missions with all- female crews (Nature Science Reports) - [Engineer backs seismic isolation]( as hospitals stood tall during Turkey-Syria quakes [premium] - AI hyper-personalization: [A revolutionary approach to tailor customer experience]( [premium] - [‘We are grunt workers’]( The $15 an hour labo rers behind the AI revolution - [Online consumers at risk from ‘intelligent’ price manipulation]( (University of Oxford) [Subscribe to IE+]( [About Us]( [Advertise]( [Contact Us]( © Copyright 2023 | The Blueprint is by Interesting Engineering, Inc. 205 Hudson St New York, NY, 10013, USA | All Rights Reserved You are receiving this email because you have subscribed to our newsletter. Manage you e-mail preferences or unsubscribe [here.](