Think of a world in which AI processing can be done with our brains. That idea is a bioprocessor, and Swiss company, FinalSpark, are attempting to make that theory a reality.  “We’re trying to build the first bioprocessor – a processor where you replace transistors with living neurons.” Co-Founder Fred Jordan told Influencing.  Jordan added that FinalSpark is attempting to cut out the use of the middleman in processing endeavours, describing it as “an alternative specifically for artificial intelligence applications”.  So how do you connect it all? Jordan explained that the process begins with human stem cells derived from skin samples. These stem cells are then used to create neurons, which form a tiny brain-like structure known as an organoid.  The company then connects electrodes to the organoid, allowing it to both send and receive electrical signals. Final Spark Scientist Dr Ewelina Kurtys added those signals worked via “bi-directional communication betwe

Hello readers, hello Monday, and welcome to The Brief.  Certainly taxing times for Liberal leader Sussan Ley today, with Newspoll numbers around the state of the Opposition, courtesy of The Australian, reporting: 'It's 24: Coalition hits new low'. That's an exclusive story from political editor Geoff Chambers. Not to be too picky, and I won't mention it again, but it is pretty easy to get an exclusive when Newspoll exclusively completes polls for News Corp. Notwithstanding that, it is of course a very well written and iluminating piece, revealing Coaltion support among the voting public has "crashed to a record low 24 per cent, with Sussan Ley's net approval rating plunging to minus 33," reports Chambers.   Chambers also pens a comment piece which in part says, "Many Liberals thought they had reached rock bottom. They were wrong."  In another front page exclusive, this time by chief political correspondent Greg Brown ('Let's talk about a divorce: Liberals') who reports com

ITV Digital has launched Blink, a new digital platform to engage Gen Z audiences through entertainment, sports and lifestyle content.  The platform aims to create a space for youth to explore, create and connect through interactive experiences.   According to afaqs, the platform offers a mix of trending reels, exclusive interviews, social challenges, and user-led storytelling, emphasising diversity and peer-driven participation, seeking to foster authentic engagement through relatable and shareable content.  Aishwarya Pandit Sharma, chairperson, The Sunday Guardian Foundation, said, “Blink isn’t just a channel, it’s a movement. It’s a space where young creators drive culture, creativity meets responsible storytelling, and diverse perspectives are celebrated every day.”  Akshansh Yadav, CEO – Digital, ITV Digital, stated, “Blink reflects the company’s vision of a digital-first future. “We’re in the middle of a digital reset, and Blink is our statemen

Image source: NewsX Live and HT; Edited by Dinesh Raj M   A movie-style hostage crisis played out in Mumbai after a 45-year-old social entrepreneur held 17 children, aged 12-15, a 75-year-old woman and his staffer hostage for two hours at a recording studio in Powai Thursday afternoon after calling them for auditions for a web series. A police commando team stormed the studio following failed negotiations and shot him in the chest after he fired from an air gun. Hot off the Press Rohit Aarrya, who had been living in a relative’s flat in Chembur over the past few days, released a video saying he wanted “simple answers” to some questions and threatened to set the place ablaze if there was any move to challenge him. In the clip, circulated to many media outlets, he said he was not a terrorist and only wanted “to be heard”. “Instead of dying by suicide, I have held some children hostage,” he said. At no stage did he elaborate on his motives, reported Hemali Chhapia a

  The Calicut Press Club has announced the winners of the much-awaited Mushtaq Awards, honouring excellence in sports journalism and photography. R. Samban, Idukki bureau chief of Janayugam, has been conferred with the Mushtaq Sports Journalism Award for his series titled Evide Marayunnu Teejwalakal, published in Janayugam from September 19 to 23, 2024. Malayala Manorama’s Ernakulam unit photographer Jibin Chempola received the Sports Photography Award, Manoramaonline reported Each award carries a cash prize of Rs 15,000 and a citation. The awards were instituted in memory of renowned playwright P.A. Muhammed Koya, popularly known as Mushtaq, in collaboration with the Kozhikode District Football Association. The Mushtaq Awards celebrate outstanding contributions to sports media, recognising journalists and photographers who bring regional sporting stories and personalities to the forefront.

Bengaluru’s City Civil and Sessions Court has issued a temporary injunction restraining several media outlets and digital platforms, including The News Minute (TNM), from publishing or circulating any allegedly defamatory content against Reporter Broadcasting Company Private Limited, the owner of Malayalam news channel Reporter TV. According to The News Minute, the Kochi-based company said in its suit that the defendants had used social media platforms to share private photos and videos, allegedly to tarnish the channel’s reputation. It also sought the removal of all reports mentioning criminal cases involving its current owners. The injunction names major media houses and tech giants such as Google LLC, Facebook, Instagram, The Hindu, Times of India, Indian Express, and Malayalam channels including Manorama News, Asianet News, Media One, and News 18 Kerala. TNM has been asked to take down four URLs, including reports on the “rotten mango” phone scam and the Muttil tree fel

In a move to encourage sustained coverage of environmental concerns, the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, Manipur, will soon roll out an annual award recognising journalists who bring climate and ecological issues to the forefront. According to Eastern Mirror, director Dr. T. Brajakumar shared that the Best ReporterAward for Climate Change Reporting will be launched next year, likely to coincide with the observance of World Wetlands Day on February 2. The announcement was made during an interaction with fellows of the 6th State Level Media Fellowship Programme (2025–26), held at the Directorate’s conference hall in Porompat, Imphal. This year’s fellowship focuses on “Alien Species in Manipur — Linking to Climate Change.” The programme, organised by the Media Resource Centre in association with the State Climate Change Cell, featured insights from leading experts including Prof. T. Shantibala of the Central Agricultural University, Dr. M. Haripriya from Ma