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Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
UC Davis develops brain computer, helps man with ASL speak in real time
( — Possible new hope has flourished for those who have lost the ability to speak after researchers at the University of California, Davis developed an investigational brain-computer interface that helps restore the ability to hold real-time conversations. Video Above: Illness took away her voice. AI created a replica she carries in her phone (May 2024) The new technology is able to translate the brain activity of the person attempting to speak into a voice, according to researchers in a new study published in the scientific journal Nature. The study participant, who has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, was able to speak to his family, change his intonation and even 'sing' simple melodies. UC Davis Health said that the system's digital vocal tract has no detectable delays. 'Translating neural activity into text, which is how our previous speech brain-computer interface works, is akin to text messaging. It's a big improvement compared to standard assistive technologies, but it still leads to delayed conversation. By comparison, this new real-time voice synthesis is more like a voice call,' said Sergey Stavisky, senior author of the paper and an assistant professor in the UC Davis Department of Neurological Surgery. Stavisky went on to say that with the use of instantaneous voice synthesis, neuroprosthesis users will be able to be more interactive and included in conversations. The clinical trial at UC Davis, BrainGate2, used an investigational brain-computer interface that consists of surgically implanting four microelectrode arrays into the area of the brain that produces speech. The firing pattern of hundreds of neurons was measured through electrodes, followed by the alignment of the patterns with the attempted speech sound the participant was producing. The activity of neurons in the brain is recorded and then sent to a computer that interprets the signals to reconstruct voice, researchers said. 'The main barrier to synthesizing voice in real-time was not knowing exactly when and how the person with speech loss is trying to speak,' said Maitreyee Wairagkar, first author of the study and project scientist in the Neuroprosthetics Lab at UC Davis. 'Our algorithms map neural activity to intended sounds at each moment of time. This makes it possible to synthesize nuances in speech and give the participant control over the cadence of his BCI-voice.' The neural signals of the participant were translated into audible speech in one-fortieth of a second, according to the study. 'This short delay is similar to the delay a person experiences when they speak and hear the sound of their own voice,' said officials. The participant was also able to say words unknown to the system, along with making interjections. He was able to modulate the intonation of his generated computer voice to ask a question or emphasize specific words in a sentence. 60% of the BCI-synthesized words were understandable to listeners, while only 4% were understandable when not using BCI, the study said. Events, discounted tattoos, piercings this Friday the 13th 'Our voice is part of what makes us who we are. Losing the ability to speak is devastating for people living with neurological conditions,' said David Brandman, co-director of the UC Davis Neuroprosthetics Lab and the neurosurgeon who performed the participant's implant. 'The results of this research provide hope for people who want to talk but can't. We showed how a paralyzed man was empowered to speak with a synthesized version of his voice. This kind of technology could be transformative for people living with paralysis.' Researchers said that brain-to-voice neuroprostheses are still in the early phase, despite promising findings. They said that a limitation is that the research was done on only one participant with ALS. The goal would be to replicate the results with more participants who have speech loss from other causes. More information on the BrainGate2 trial can be found on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Linda Fire in Solano County prompts emergency evacuation warnings
( — Residents in Solano County are being urged to evacuate their homes as a wildfire spreads through the area, according to Cal Fire. Around 3:17 p.m., first responders said the fire, the Linda Fire, was at 50 acres near English Hills Road and Linda Vista Lane, north of Vacaville. Zones SOL2788 and SOL2790 were placed under evacuation warnings. For zone information, visit How does ICE know who to deport? According to Cal Fire, 17 fire engines, three hand crews, two dozers, three water tenders, one copter, four air tankers, and one air tactical aircraft responded to the fire. About 125 total personnel were at the scene. 'There is a potential threat to life and/or property,' said the Solano County Sheriff's Office. 'Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets or livestock are encouraged to leave now.' Around 3:45 p.m., forward progress of the Linda Fire was stopped at 110.74 acres, and the fire was 10 percent contained. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
West Sacramento hosting 4th annual All Nations Indigefest
( — West Sacramento is hosting the 4th annual All Nations Indigefest this Saturday. The event, organized by local urban agriculture community group Three Sisters Gardens, will feature live performances from a number of acts, including spoken word artist and 2025 Tiny Desk Contest Winner Ruby Ibarra. Video Above: June 13th Weekend Weather Forecast Other acts include: Indigenous musician and scholar Lyla June Non-binary Filipinx-Canadian musician and multi-artist Kimmortal Trans and two-spirit musician Bobby Sanche San Diego-based revolutionary hip hop artists The Neighborhood Kids Two visual artists will also be painting live at the event. The festival will also feature food, and a number of community groups in attendance will offer free resources. The event will start at 5 p.m. at River Walk Park. Guests are encouraged to utilize free parking on D Street, 2nd Street and E Street or pay $15 to park in the parking garage next to the Ziggurat. There will also be a free bike valet. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Chipotle offers BOGO entrée deal on Friday the 13th for tattoo lovers
( — For those who are taking advantage of the Friday the 13th tattoo discounts, Chipotle has an additional deal for you starting at 3 p.m. According to Chipotle, the company is launching 13 new temporary flash tattoos that are inspired by what they say makes the brand iconic. 'Fans can get tatted at 13 Chipotle restaurants on Friday, June 13,' officials said. On Wednesday, the company announced it will celebrate fans with its first-ever collection of temporary tattoo designs starting on Friday. The drawing inspiration is from a popular meme on social media about people being 'tatted like a Chipotle bag'. Davis PD seeks help in identifying man who tore down Israeli flag Chipotle is scheduled to drop a limited-edition collection of 13 temporary tattoos that feature designs from the elements of the brand, which include its real ingredients, coveted black fork, water cup, and 'Chipotle is my life' slogan, officials said. Chipotle all over the U.S. will offer a special buy-one-get-one offer from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., said the company. Chain lovers who have permanent tattoos, temporary tattoos, or designs drawn on will be eligible for the BOGO. 'On the biggest day of the year for tattoos, we are honoring our bold superfans who have artwork reminiscent of the designs on Chipotle's takeout bags,' said Stephanie Perdue, Vice President, Brand Marketing. 'Fans who aren't ready to embark on their permanent tattoo journey can try out our 13 new temporary designs and enjoy a BOGO entrée.' Here's a list of some locations of Chipotle in the Sacramento area: 4001 Freeport Boulevard 5738 Folsom Boulevard 1601 Broadway in Sacramento 8124 Delta Shores 1729 Howe Avenue in the Arden-Arcade area 3830 Truxel Road in Natomas 2878 Zinfandel Drive in Rancho Cordova 2650 Arena Boulevard in North Natomas Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Don't click that link: DMV warns of fake registration discount on social media
( — Many California residents have reported seeing scam social media advertisements offering to help them renew vehicle registrations at discounted rates. According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, the state prohibits DMV from offering discounted vehicle registration renewals. Officials are warning Californians to avoid advertisements that claim to provide discounted DMV services. Davis PD seeks help in identifying man who tore down Israeli flag 'The DMV does not offer discounts on vehicle registration renewals and will never ask for payment or personal information through unofficial channels,' DMV authorities said. Officials stated that the recent scam was on a social media post that was offering 50% off vehicle registration renewal fees. The post was requesting payment through an online payment app and asked customers to send their license plate numbers. 'The safest way to renew your vehicle registration is directly through the official DMV website,' said DMV Director Steve Gordon. 'We do not offer discounts, and we never conduct official business through social media or other unofficial channels.' DMV officials want to remind the public to always use the DMV business online at the official DMV website or through an authorized business that is listed in the official Business Partner Automation program for vehicle registration and title services. The DMV is offering some steps to reduce the chances of falling victim to online scams: Avoid offers for discounted DMV services: The DMV does not offer special deals through unauthorized third parties or on social media. Never respond to unsolicited or suspicious texts: If you receive a message asking for personal or financial information, do not reply. Verify the source: If you are unsure, always contact the DMV through official channels. Call the DMV if you have concerns: The DMV customer service team is available to help you at 800-777-0133. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
