LOS ANGELES, Calif. (WGEM) For the first time ever, neuroscientists at UCLA are measuring human brain waves while a person is in motion.

Theyre observing epilepsy patients with previously implanted brain sensors.

Those sensors are in the section of the brain linked to memory and a persons navigation.

We have them come in and we're able to record their brain activity from this device, explained Nanthia Suthana, PhD, a neuroscientist at David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

The patients wore a specially designed backpack with a wireless system that captured brain waves and eye movements in real time.

The researchers instructed patients to explore an empty room, find a hidden spot, and remember it.

And we're able to look at the activity deep in the brain, in an area that we know is important for memory. It's actually an area that is first affected in Alzheimers disease, Suthana described.

Scientists found the brain waves were stronger when the participants returned to search for a hidden spot or saw another person approach the location.

So, we're very interested in how this area works, such that we can inform potential future therapies for treatments of Alzheimer's disease, shared Suthana.

Its research helping scientists map out mysteries of the human mind.

The scientists say earlier studies in rodents showed the animals brains worked in similar ways to help them keep track of their location, but prior to developing the wireless backpack, the studies couldnt be replicated in humans because imaging machines would require them to be tethered in one place.

The UCLA team has made the backpack available to other researchers to speed discoveries about brain disorders.

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Brain Tracking: Unraveling Mysteries of the Human Mind - WGEM

The SoC is the new motherboard.

Data centres are no longer betting on the one-size-fits-all compute. Decades of homogenous compute strategies are disrupted by the need to optimise. Modern-day data centres are embracing purpose-built System on Chip (SoC) designs to have more control over peak performance, optimise power consumption and scalability. Thus, customisation of chips has become the go-to solution for many cloud providers. Companies like Google Cloud especially are doubling down on this front.

Google introduced the Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) back in 2015. Today TPUs power services such as real-time voice search, photo object recognition, and interactive language translation. TPUs drive DeepMinds powerful AlphaGo algorithms, which outclassed the worlds best Go player. They were later used for Chess and Shogi. Today, TPUs have the power to process over 100 million photos a day. Most importantly, TPUs are also used for Googles search results. The search giant even unveiled OpenTitan, the first open-source silicon root-of-trust project. The companys custom hardware solutions range from SSDs, to hard drives, network switches, and network interface cardsoften in deep collaboration with external partners.

Workloads demand even deeper integration into the underlying hardware.

Just like on a motherboard, CPUs and TPUs come from different sources. A Google data centre consists of thousands of server machines connected to a local network. Google designs custom chips, including a hardware security chip currently being deployed on both servers and peripherals. According to Google Cloud, these chips allow them to securely identify and authenticate legitimate Google devices at the hardware level.

According to the team at GCP, computing at Google is at a critical inflection point. Instead of integrating components on a motherboard, Google focuses more on SoC designs where multiple functions sit on the same chip or on multiple chips inside one package. The company even claimed that the System on Chips is the modern-day motherboard.

To date, writes Amin Vahdat of GCP, the motherboard has been the integration point, where CPUs, networking, storage devices, custom accelerators, memory, all from different vendors blended into an optimised system. However, the cloud providers, especially companies like Google Cloud, AWS which own large data centres, gravitate towards deeper integration in the underlying hardware to gain higher performance at lesser power consumption.

According to ARM acquired by NVIDIA recently renewed interest towards design freedom and system optimisation has led to higher compute utilisation, improved performance-power ratios, and the ability to get more out of a physical datacenter.

For example, AWS Graviton2 instances, using the Arm Neoverse N1 platform, deliver up to 40 percent better price-performance over the previous x86-based instances at a 20 percent lower price. Silicon solutions such as Amperes Altra are designed to deliver performance-per-watt, flexibility, and scalability their customers demand.

The capabilities of cloud instances rely on the underlying architectures and microarchitectures that power the hardware.

Amazon has made its silicon ambitions obvious as early as 2015. Amazon acquired Israel-based Annapurna Labs, known for networking-focused Arm SoCs. Amazon leveraged Annapurna Labs tech to build a custom Arm server-grade chipGraviton2. After its release, Graviton2 locked horns with Intel and AMD, the data centre chip industrys major players. While the Graviton2 instance offered 64 physical cores, AMD or Intel could manage only 32 physical cores.

Last year, AWS even launched custom-built AWS Inferentia chips for the hardware specialisation department. Inferentias performance convinced AWS to deploy them for their popular Alexa services that require state of the art ML for speech processing and other tasks.

Amazons popular EC2 instances are now powered by AWS Inferentia chips that can deliver up to 30% higher throughput and up to 45% lower cost per inference. Whereas, Amazon EC2 F1 instances use FPGAs to enable delivery of custom hardware accelerations. F1 instances are easy to program and come with an FPGA Developer AMI and support hardware level development on the cloud. Examples of target applications that can benefit from F1 instance acceleration include genomics, search/analytics, image and video processing, network security, electronic design automation (EDA), image and file compression and big data analytics.

Source:AWS

Followed by AWS Inferentias success in providing customers with high-performance ML inference at the lowest cost in the cloud, AWS is launching Trainium to address the shortcomings of Inferentia. The Trainium chip is specifically optimised for deep learning training workloads for applications including image classification, semantic search, translation, voice recognition, natural language processing and recommendation engines.

The above table is a performance comparison by Anandtech, which shows how the cloud providers can ditch the legacy chip makers, thanks to ARMs license provisions. Even Microsoft is reportedly building an ARM-based processor for Azure data centres. Apart from custom chips thats under wraps, Microsoft too had a shot at silicon success. They have collaborated with AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm Technologies and announced the Microsoft Pluton security processor. The Pluton design builds security directly into the CPU.

To overcome the challenges and realise the opportunities presented by semiconductor densities and capabilities, electronic product cloud companies will look into System-on-a-Chip (SoC) design methodologies of incorporating pre-designed components, also called SoC Intellectual Property (SoC-IP), which can then be integrated into their own algorithms. As SoCs incorporate processors that allow customisation in the layers of software as well as in the hardware around the processors is the reason why even Google Cloud is bullish on this. They even roped in Intel veteran Uri Frank to lead their server chip design efforts. According to Amin Vahdata, VP, GCP, SoCs offer many orders of magnitude better performance with greatly reduced power and cost compared to assembling individual ASICs on a motherboard. The future of cloud infrastructure is bright, and its changing fast, said Vahdat.

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System on Chips And The Modern Day Motherboards - Analytics India Magazine

Rivers Solomons The Deep is about the struggle between sacrifice and duty.

Illustration by Michelle Rodriguez.

The Deep by Rivers Solomon, Daveed Diggs, William Hutson, and Jonathan Snipes is captivating and thought-provoking, in the story readers are introduced to an underwater world plagued with horrific historical events intertwined with mysticism.

The novel focuses on the story of the water-dwelling descendants of pregnant African women who were thrown overboard from slave ships: the Wanjiru.

The mermaid-like clan has no long-term memory, instead choosing to live in the moment without the burden of the past. The Wanjuri swim along the sea in ignorant bliss without carrying the weight of memories of the suffering of their past ancestors.

The novel follows the story of Yetu, a member of the Wanjuri who has chosen to carry the burden of being a Historian. It is the job of the Historian, to carry the communitys memories along with the echoes of emotional trauma from such events.

Solomon delves into Yetus characterization through her exploration of identity and self while also discussing the devastations of slavery through fiction.

The multilayered work is dynamic and heart-wrenching as culture, grief, and desire are encompassed in the novel. Yetu is against her responsibility as the Historian because of the physical and emotional undertakings the duty imposed on her mind and body. She doesnt wish for her identity to be consumed with the responsibility of carrying the grievances of the cruel deaths of her ancestors.

Solomons poetic prose and immersive story-telling are apparent throughout the novel as Yetu embarks on a journey of understanding community ties and remembering the past. The novel delves into concepts of identity and personhood as the world is casually LGBTQIA+, includes representations of anxiety, a nonbinary side character, and more.

The Deep is a simple yet complicated novel as it questions the struggle between sacrifice and duty, between tradition and progress, and between vengeance and forgiveness.

Darlene Antoine is the Features Editor for the University Press. For information regarding this or other stories, email her at [emailprotected]

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The Book Corner: The Deep by Rivers Solomon, Daveed Diggs, William Hutson, and Jonathan Snipes - University Press

Google Deepmind head Demis Hassabis speaks during a press conference ahead of the Google DeepMind Challenge Match in Seoul on March 8, 2016.

Jung Yeon-Je | AFP |Getty Images | Getty Images

LONDON DeepMind, the U.K. artificial intelligence lab acquired by Google in 2014, has quietly hired a team of researchers in New York.

The company widely regarded as one of the leading AI firms in the world hired Facebook AI Research (FAIR) co-founder Rob Fergus to lead its New York team last June. Several people have joined Fergus's team in the last few months and DeepMind is actively recruiting in the city.

"Last year we were delighted to have computer vision and deep learning pioneer Rob Fergus join our team," a DeepMind spokesperson told CNBC. "Rob is based in New York and this exciting role will be a key part of his growing team there."

DeepMind declined to say how many people it has in New York but LinkedIn analysis suggests the number is between 10 and 15. "There is a small core group right now, which we'll carefully grow over time," a spokesperson said. The team is currently working from home but DeepMind said they'll work out of a Google building once lockdown restrictions are lifted.

While FAIR has less than 400 people, DeepMind employs around 1,000 people worldwide, with the bulk of those based at its London headquarters. The remainder are spread across satellite outposts in Mountain View (where Google is headquartered), Alberta, Montreal, and Paris.

New York is home to several prestigious AI labs at universities including New York University and Cornell Tech. But beyond FAIR and Google AI, there aren't many large industry AI labs in the city Google Brain doesn't have a significant presence there, for example.

Fergus is splitting his time across DeepMind and NYU, where he is a professor of computer science at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences. He previously spent time at Oxford, MIT, and Caltech and has won a number of awards for his work.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, DeepMind has already hired several intellectual heavyweights in New York. Former Googler Christine Kaeser-Chen joined as a staff research engineer in February and Harvard graduate Ishita Dasgupta joined in December.

DeepMind and FAIR have been battling it out to hire the best AI talent in the world for almost a decade. They're hoping that these top AI researchers, who are sometimes paid around $1 million a year, will be able to create AI technology that can be harnessed by Google and Facebook, respectively.

Fergus co-founded FAIR, which is a direct rival to DeepMind, with AI pioneer Yann LeCun in 2013.

In Sept. 2018, when Fergus was at FAIR's New York office, he said in an interview that he was spending most of his time recruiting research scientists. At the time, he said that virtually everyone FAIR makes a job offer to also has an offer from the likes of Google, Amazon or Intel.

He added that FAIR tries to attract people by talking about its close relationships with academia and Facebook's product teams, as well as the fact that they open source the code on the vast majority of their research papers, which DeepMind hasn't always done.

Correction: This story has been updated to correctthe list of peoplewho have joined DeepMind in New York.

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DeepMind is building a team of A.I. researchers in New York - CNBC

The arrival of the Spring Equinox, when day equals night, on Saturday March 20 will bring a vigorous flow of positive energy. This marks the Sun's entry into the action-sign of Aries and the official start of spring. From here on in we welcome the growth of light and warmth. This is a crucial moment in the Sun's annual journey through the 12 signs of the zodiac. Tap into the power of the golden light that illuminates your path to fulfilment.

Mercury leaves Aquarius and enters reflective Pisces on Monday, March 17. Spiritual insight will flourish for the next few weeks. The Sun on Tuesday and Venus on Thursday meet Pluto and expunge the heaviness of winter. The Moon will then meet up with mighty Mars, ruler of Aries, which will make you feel like you can climb Mt. Everest. Easy does it. Don't forget to sleep.

In the course of a day, thousands of thoughts pass through your mind. And it is these thoughts that create your future. To increase your personal power, get your mind off your problems. Starve them of attention. Instead, fix your thoughts on topics that inspire you. With a little practice, you'll be feeling upbeat and enthusiastic. Make a list of your hopes and dreams on Saturday.

Here is your horoscope for the week of Monday, March 15, 2021.

Aries

You are torn, as never before, between two conflicting impulses or inclinations. These seem to be mutually exclusive. You must either proceed down one road or another. It's hard to know which to choose, but the Sun's entry into Aries will help you make the right choice. Be careful to not set yourself up for disappointment by demanding perfection. The solution to all your woes will not be accomplished in one fell swoop, but, rather, incrementally over time. Work with the options at your disposal and you'll find that you will lead you to where you need to be. You'll get the best of all possible worlds.

Taurus

If you don't have enough time to do the things that make you happy, you simply have to make time for them. A quick retreat from the battle lines will bring the realization that you have become overwrought regarding a certain problem. It's time to redress the balance. Physical power is impressive. Mental power is more subtle. Those blessed with the intellectual equivalent of such strength tend to sit quietly solving problems. The Sun's entry into Aries will inspire a stroke of genius this week. Your desire to snatch an unexpected victory from the jaws of defeat is written in the stars.

Gemini

Judging by the way the planets are currently lining up, you ought to be doing pretty well. You can expect some uplifting and inspiring developments to take place. Some of your greatest dreams will receive positive and constructive assistance thanks to the Sun entering Aries. You are about to realize that you are no longer inextricably tied to a dramatic event that occurred long ago. Where once you didn't like where things were leading, you will soon understand that, quite the contrary, you are onto a good thing. You have been exonerated from the karma of past mistakes. You are now free to go.

Cancer

Time-sensitive challenges are putting you under strain. If you feel you've taken a few steps backwards lately, don't think of it as a bad omen. It simply marks a natural breathing-out period. The dark and light forces of life may briefly seem to lean toward the dark but a bubble of cosmic protection envelopes you. Fierce and furious faces can scowl at you, but they cannot harm you unless you allow yourself to be intimidated by them. With the Sun moving into Aries, your intuitive source will soon provide a positive affirmation that all is well and moving along nicely. The current is steadily moving you towarda joyful destination.

Leo

An unfolding drama is weighing heavily on your shoulders. Times like this require light-heartedness and a jaunty sense of humour. That's easier said than done, but you're in luck. You may as well relax, because the Sun's entry into Aries is well-poised to bestow with great physical and mental drive. You will receive a booster shot of energy. It's exactly what you need to beat back your challenges. Some processes have a momentum all of their own. The best you can do is accept their inevitability and then attempt to moderate their outcome. Try this week to be both realistic and pragmatic and all will be fine.

Virgo

You are wise, experienced and blessed with impressive maturity. So, rather than lowering the bar, you ought to raise it higher. Do not allow yourself to be intimidated by a certain convoluted situation and its attendant difficulties and complications. The Sun's entry into Aries will produce a shift in your perception that will facilitate a huge boost to your personal power. You have the capacity to create a positive shift in your circumstances. Current tensions will help lay the foundation for future understanding and respect. If you continue to think high, happy thoughts, you can transcend all the difficulties you currently face.

Libra

Despite all the madness happening in the world, there is a sense that what is happening in your life, must happen. A cosmic intelligence is at work opening the way to a new world. For you as an individual the future has never looked better. The Sun's entry into Aries will help you focus less on the negative and more on the positive. You will succeed in capturing the good luck that is all around you. Given where you are, and what has happened so far, there is only one thing to do. Your best. Carry on as you are. You will make a big, effective difference to your situation. You are on the winning track.

Scorpio

It's good to say what's on your mind, but there are times when your recalcitrant spirit can land you in the doghouse. Some of your opinions have the potential to unleash unwelcome complications. You don't want to curl up in a ball of remorse on the sofa either because you feel physically exhausted or mentally drained. Luckily, you are currently blessed with an enhanced level of diplomatic skills. You will win with a minimum of effort. The Sun's entry into Aries will inspire you to persevere.

Sagittarius

There is an adjustment to be made now. The Sun's entry into Aries is bringing you to the point where it is necessary to make a tricky choice. When settling into any new environment, no matter how healthy, there is always a wobbly moment. You look back and miss the familiarity of the old routines and habits. The change threatens to upset the equilibrium you've worked so hard to establish. It may seem impossible, but you will be amazed with how a constructive mental attitude on your part will work miracles. The right kind of change will occur effectively and naturally, and in the best possible way.

Capricorn

It may seem at times that certain burdensome responsibilities will never end. Do keep in mind that it's not up to you to single-handedly save the world and solve all its problems. Auspicious alignments are moving into place that will free you. What's sapping your energy is not the amount of work that needs to be done. It's the fear that nothing will ever change or improve. You suspect that as fast as you solve one problem, another will emerge. Don't worry about that. The Sun's entry into Aries will bestow gifts upon you as a reward for all your trials. A most pleasant and unexpected surprise will speed things along.

Aquarius

The dramas and developments now taking place in your world are really just a reflection of an inner struggle. Your personal inner guide is always there for you. It'll help you wherever and whenever it can. It's a blessing that will follow you for your entire life. It'll drop hints and quietly whisper clues in your ear. It's up to you to develop your intuitive faculties and learn to trust them. Silencing the mind chatter is the key. The Sun's entry into Aries will take you by the hand and show you the way. It's not as difficult as you might think. In fact, it's quite easy. And it will exponentially increase your ability to solve problems.

Pisces

Relationships always require a bit of give and take. That's the general rule. A delicate balancing act is required even with the most reasonable of people. Pressure is driving you towardmaking a strident demand that could be construed as unreasonable. The Sun's entry in Aries is advising that you have all the charm and charisma needed to be at your most persuasive. All you want is an honest answer to a fair question. There's no need to play around with ifs and buts and maybes. Neither of you have to give away too much detail, but you both have a piece of news that you ought really to be sharing.

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Your horoscope for the week ahead: Mercury enters reflective Pisces allowing deep insights to flourish - CBC.ca