AI Gives Voice Back to Silenced Musician

ALS Stole Musician's Voice, But AI Gave Him a Stage Again

A musician, Patrick Darling, who lost his ability to sing due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), returned to the stage thanks to artificial intelligence, according to MIT Technology Review. Darling, 32, was diagnosed with ALS at 29, a disease affecting the nerves that control muscles, including those used for speech. His performance marked his first time on stage with his bandmates in over two years.

Darling's experience highlights the devastating impact of ALS, which eventually robs individuals of their ability to move, speak, and breathe, as reported by MIT Technology Review. His last stage performance was over two years prior to his comeback. The AI technology allowed him to sing again, enabling him to share his music with his audience.

In other news, the European Film Market in Berlin is underway, with sales outfit Reinvent Yellow closing deals for the adventure-family film "Rocky the Troll," produced by the team behind the Netflix hit "Troll," according to Variety. The film has secured pre-sales in several territories.

Meanwhile, American Olympic champion Jordan Stolz won the 500-meter men's speed skating event at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium, setting a new Olympic record with a time of 33.77 seconds, Time reported. Stolz's coach, Bob Corby, reminded him before the race that even if his start lagged, the race would be won on the backstretch. Stolz's victory followed his win in the 1000-meter race three nights prior.

In the realm of technology and relationships, Vox warns about the rise of AI romance scams, which are particularly prevalent around Valentine's Day. These scams cost Americans $3 billion last year, according to Vox.

Finally, a piece on Hacker News discusses electric guitars from the Eastern Bloc, with the author sharing their experience of collecting and playing guitars from the region. The author found an Orpheus electric guitar in Bulgaria and has since become obsessed with discovering guitars from the Eastern Bloc.