• ‘Coffee is just the excuse’: the deaf-run cafe where hearing people sign to order

    In-person interactions break down barriers in east London, as AI startups also try to bridge communication divideWesley Hartwell raised his fists to the barista and shook them next to his ears. He then lowered his fists, extended his thumbs and little fingers, and moved them up and down by his chest, as though milking a cow. Finally, he laid the fingers of one hand flat on his chin and flexed his wrist forward.Hartwell, who has no hearing problems, had just used BSL, British Sign Language, to or
  • ‘Coffee is just the excuse’: the deaf-run cafe where hearing people order via sign

    In-person interactions at Dialogue Cafe break down barriers in east London amid AI-startup surge seeking digital answersWesley Hartwell raised his fists to the barista and shook them next to his ears. He then lowered his fists, extended his thumbs and little fingers, and moved them up and down by his chest, as though milking a cow. Finally, he laid the fingers of one hand flat on his chin and flexed his wrist forward.Hartwell, who has no hearing problems, had just used BSL, British Sign Language
  • “Existential risk” – Why scientists are racing to define consciousness

    Scientists warn that rapid advances in AI and neurotechnology are outpacing our understanding of consciousness, creating serious ethical risks. New research argues that developing scientific tests for awareness could transform medicine, animal welfare, law, and AI development. But identifying consciousness in machines, brain organoids, or patients could also force society to rethink responsibility, rights, and moral boundaries. The question of what it means to be conscious has never been more ur