A resident of Nyagahinga Cell in Cyanika Sector told IGIHE that the fire started in the middle of the mountain at around 6 a.m. and spread uphill, making efforts to extinguish it difficult because of the long distance that responders have to cover on foot.
“We saw the forest had caught fire at around 6 a.m. this morning. We tried to see whether there were people putting it out, but we did not see anyone. It continued burning. As we speak, we are on the mountain trying to put it out,” the resident said.
Residents of Nyagahinga said they were not concerned that the fire would reach their homes or damage their property because the mountain is about two kilometres from the settlement.
Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde told IGIHE that authorities from different levels had gone to the area to coordinate firefighting efforts, expressing confidence that the situation would be brought under control without significant damage.
“Yes, it is true, and we are all there. We have gone to put it out. I believe it will be resolved without much damage,” he said.
Residents said that by around 9 a.m., the fire had begun to weaken on Mount Muhabura, raising hopes that it could soon be extinguished.
The full extent of the area affected was not immediately known as the fire was still burning when this story was published, while residents continued efforts to put it out. The cause of the fire had also not been established.
Residents said some people enter Volcanoes National Park to collect honey, a practice that sometimes requires them to light smoke to drive bees away. They suspect that such activity could have caused the fire.
Mount Muhabura was last affected by a major fire in 2009.
The volcano stands at 4,127 metres above sea level, making it the second-highest of Rwanda’s five volcanoes.
During the dry season, vegetation in several national parks, including Volcanoes National Park, where Mount Muhabura is located, becomes dry and more vulnerable to fires. This increases the risk of wildfires if flames reach the vegetation.
The fire broke out in the middle of Mount Muhabura early in the morning.The area affected by the fire is far from nearby residential areas.
U.S. news outlet The Intercept and non-profit Freedom of the Press Foundation (FPF) alleged that the paid Truth Social service violates two parts of the Constitution: the First Amendment right to access a president’s comments on equal terms with other members of the press and public, and the Fifth Amendment prohibitions on charging unreasonable conditions for government benefits.
The plaintiffs said delayed access to the president’s statements would harm their ability to produce or support journalism, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday.
“A president selling priority access to news he himself generates for the benefit of a private company he controls is so blatantly corrupt and unconstitutional that it would have been hard to even fathom just a few years ago,” said Seth Stern, chief of advocacy at the FPF.
As general counsel to The Intercept, David Bralow said: “Nothing could be more antithetical to the free, independent press than the president charging for early access to his public announcements.”
The paid Truth Social service, named Truth API, allows subscribers to receive Trump’s posts seconds before they appear for the general public. Seeking to block the plan, the two groups said those moments matter because Trump’s posts often move stocks, oil and other financial markets with announcements about government policy, military actions and other decisions, as seen during the Middle East conflicts and renewed U.S. tariff measures.
Many big investment firms have developed automated systems to monitor Truth Social, detect important keywords and take action, often within a fraction of a second, such as initiating or canceling positions, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing traders.
A Wall Street Journal review of trading data showed how quickly some traders have pounced on the president’s online comments. In the minute following two of Trump’s posts about Iran in June, investors traded more than 2 million shares, according to data from DTN, a global data and technology company. These trades caused swings of more than 2 percent in almost two dozen energy and industrial stocks.
The plaintiffs argued that the setup gave an unfair advantage to those who can afford it, creating a system where market-sensitive information reaches paying clients first, according to the BBC.
Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), Truth Social’s parent company, announced that Truth API charges up to 100,000 U.S. dollars a month for early access to 10 high-profile Truth Social accounts, including Trump’s own, or 60,000 dollars per month if users commit to three years.
Trump has the largest following on the platform, with about 13 million followers, followed by his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., with around 7.5 million.
Other accounts offered through Truth API include those of Vice President JD Vance, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., FBI Director Kash Patel and the White House itself, the complaint said.
The service came as the publicly traded TMTG lost hundreds of millions of dollars each quarter and its stock has dropped below 10 dollars from 62 dollars shortly after going public two years ago.
Trump is the largest shareholder of TMTG, with a 41.3 percent stake worth approximately 950 million dollars, held through his Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust. His eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., serves as a director of TMTG and oversees the trust, while the president is the trust’s sole beneficiary, the BBC reported.
Even before the new API service was launched, ethics watchdogs criticized Trump’s posting on Truth Social as a brash attempt to profit off the presidency, linking it to other money-making ventures, including those related to cryptocurrencies.
Earlier this year, the president filed a required annual financial disclosure report showing that he had taken in more than 1 billion dollars in 2025 from new crypto businesses subject to regulation by his administration, according to AP.
The Wall Street Journal reported that trading firms were among the first subscribers to the service, with more than 10 customers having signed up. In this business, getting to data nanoseconds faster than competitors can amount to a sizable advantage.
“This scheme is profoundly corrupt,” the two organizations said in their complaint. “The president stands to gain financially by giving ‘market-moving’ government information to those who are willing and able to pay his personal company.”
The plan also drew backlash from Democratic lawmakers, who called for a probe into the service by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
U.S. President Donald Trump was sued Wednesday by two media organizations
The International Contact Group (ICG) for the Great Lakes region said Kinshasa must ensure that its recently announced disarmament and demobilization arrangement with the militia group is implemented in accordance with obligations under the Washington Agreement signed in June last year and the subsequent CONOPS agreement on the lifting of Rwanda’s defensive measures.
The ICG, chaired by France and comprising the United States, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, the European Union, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, urged the Congolese authorities to immediately develop an operational plan and a realistic timeline for the “effective FDLR neutralization.”
The call comes after the Congolese government announced on July 28 that the FDLR had formally accepted and signed a protocol for voluntary disarmament, demobilization and cantonment.
The ICG stressed that any continued colocation or operational collaboration between Congolese forces and elements of the FDLR would be “fundamentally at odds” with the commitments made in the Washington Accords.
The firm statement comes amid reports that the FDLR group has continued to coordinate militarily with forces fighting the AFC/M23 coalition in North and South Kivu.
The ICG has called on the Congolese government to ensure that the neutralisation protocol is actually implemented and to clarify the mechanisms for combating impunity referred to in the agreement.
It also urged Kinshasa to work with MONUSCO, the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC, as a key partner in carrying out the process.
The Washington Agreement has placed the dismantling of the militia group formed by individuals involved in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi among the key security commitments linked to broader efforts to end tensions between Rwanda and the DRC.
Rwanda has consistently maintained that the FDLR must be dismantled rather than accommodated, and has rejected the arrangement announced by Kinshasa on the grounds that it does not provide for the kind of alternative process proposed by the DRC.
According to Congolese authorities, the arrangement provides for fighters to surrender their weapons, move to secured transit centres and eventually be reintegrated into civilian life.
The FDLR has also proposed that fighters who do not want to return to Rwanda be assisted in resettling in third countries.
In a recent interview with BBC Gahuza, FDLR political spokesperson Cure Ngoma acknowledged that no timeline had been established for disarmament and reintegration.
Ngoma said the FDLR had conditions that it wanted addressed first, including guarantees for the security and dignity of people it describes as Rwandan refugees living in the DRC.
He further said the FDLR’s objective, after those issues were resolved, would be to participate in Rwanda’s political process.
That position has been rejected by Rwanda.
Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe has dismissed the idea of voluntary dissolution and insisted that no political platform can be opened to the FDLR.
He has maintained that the group must be dismantled as stipulated in the Washington Agreement and that its fighters should be repatriated to Rwanda without additional conditions.
The ICG’s latest statement effectively reinforces the centrality of that agreement, putting the focus back on whether the DRC’s actions will fulfil or undermine the commitments made in Washington.
The group said it was ready to welcome concrete steps by either the DRC or Rwanda to advance the peace process, but urged all parties to the Washington Accords and Doha Framework to implement the commitments they have already undertaken.
It also called on the African Union and other mediation efforts to continue pushing the parties towards implementation.
The group also welcomed the prisoner exchange agreement between the DRC and the AFC/M23 rebel coalition, describing it as an important confidence-building measure, and commended the International Committee of the Red Cross for facilitating a recent transfer of individuals released by Congolese authorities.
The Washington Agreement, signed by DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame and U.S. President Donald Trump, commits the parties to the dismantling of the FDLR.
According to a military source and eyewitnesses, the attacks targeted Khartoum, as well as El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State; Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan State; and Atbara and Al-Damar in River Nile State, while the army’s air defenses and ground-based anti-aircraft systems confronted a new wave of drones.
A Sudanese military source told Xinhua that the army’s ground and air defenses repelled widespread drone attacks on Wednesday and Thursday targeting several cities and military positions. The source said more than 35 drones, which he attributed to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), were shot down on Wednesday over areas including Atbara, Al-Damar and El Obeid.
On Thursday, the forces shot down 10 drones in Omdurman, three in River Nile State and five in South Kordofan State, the source said, adding that the defenses prevented drones from reaching a number of vital targets.
An eyewitness in Omdurman told Xinhua that loud explosions were heard and columns of smoke rose over the city as air defenses engaged a swarm of drones. In El Obeid, another eyewitness reported successive explosions and the activation of army ground defenses as several drones attacked the city.
In Kadugli, an eyewitness said ground defenses engaged drones targeting the city and shot down several before they reached their targets.
The attacks also reached Atbara and Al-Damar in River Nile State, relatively far from the front lines, highlighting the expanding geographical scope of drone warfare in Sudan.
The Sudanese army has not issued an official statement on the latest attacks, while the RSF has not commented on allegations that it was responsible.
The escalation comes amid heavy fighting on several fronts, particularly in North Kordofan and Blue Nile.
In North Kordofan, clashes continued after the army retook several strategic areas in recent weeks and reopened parts of the vital export road linking Kordofan with Khartoum.
The general command of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) said Thursday that its forces and allied troops had repelled an RSF attack on the Jabrat Al-Sheikh area in North Kordofan involving more than 250 combat vehicles. It said the attackers suffered losses in personnel and equipment and were forced to withdraw toward the outskirts of Darfur.
In Blue Nile State, fighting continued in Geisan, a locality on the border with Ethiopia, following an attack by the RSF and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North, according to local authorities.
The authorities said in a statement that the attack began Wednesday morning and targeted the town during the agricultural season, describing it as a “full-fledged war crime.”
The International Organization for Migration reported that around 2,500 people, or about 500 families, were displaced from Geisan following the clashes. Most moved to other areas within the locality, while others crossed the border into Ethiopia.
Sudan has been mired in an armed conflict between the SAF and the RSF since mid-April 2023, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions both domestically and abroad.
This photo taken with a mobile phone shows residents inspecting a drone-attacked mosque in Al-Droshab, north of Sudan’s capital Khartoum on August 12, 2026.
Police spokesperson ACP Boniface Rutikanga said the law classifies vaping products as drugs, meaning users cannot justify their use on the grounds that they produce little or no smoke or odor.
“I would like to urge those who use them to take this seriously and start thinking about putting them aside. They are not permitted; this is provided for by law,” Rutikanga said.
Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana also warned about the health risks associated with vaping, describing it as among the substances of concern because of its potential harmful effects.
Nsanzimana made the remarks during a TikTok discussion with social media users focused on preventing the use of illicit or substandard alcoholic beverages and drugs.
Vapes, also known as e-cigarettes, are electronic devices that produce an aerosol for users to inhale. The aerosol can contain substances including nicotine, propylene glycol and glycerin.
Vaping devices come in various forms, including products designed to resemble pens and flash drives, which can make them difficult to identify without prior knowledge.
The availability of different flavors and scents, along with the design of the devices and their promotion or discussion on social media, has contributed to their growing popularity among young people.
While e-cigarettes are sometimes promoted as a way to help people who smoke conventional cigarettes quit, Nsanzimana said vaping can pose serious health risks.
“There are many drugs, including those used in vaping. To everyone listening to me, I say: stay away from vaping. It can kill you even more than ordinary cigarettes,” he said.
Nsanzimana said vaping has been associated with several health risks, including cancers affecting the lungs and digestive system. He added that research shows the nicotine contained in vaping products can lead to dependence.
He urged the public, particularly young people, to avoid vaping, warning that its perceived appeal and variety of flavors should not obscure the potential risks to users’ health.
Police spokesperson ACP Boniface Rutikanga said the law classifies vaping products as drugs, meaning users cannot justify their use on the grounds that they produce little or no smoke or odor.
Dr. Nsanzimana made the remarks during a virtual discussion with TikTok users on efforts to prevent the consumption of substandard alcohol, particularly among young people.
He said alcohol consumption had reached a level that was affecting the wellbeing of the population and the country’s development.
Dr. Nsanzimana said national institutions had been assessing issues that could hinder Rwanda’s progress and found that alcohol had become a major concern.
“Alcohol came to the forefront among the things that threaten the security of our future. In terms of health, we were already in a difficult situation because alcohol is a slow killer; it kills gradually,” he said.
The minister was asked why Rwanda had focused on curbing substandard alcohol while tobacco is also known to have serious effects on health.
He said the decision was based on available figures showing that tobacco use had declined following measures introduced earlier.
“Figures show that Rwandans who smoke have declined from 13 percent to 7 percent because of measures that were introduced earlier,” he said.
Alcohol consumption, however, remains widespread, according to the minister.
“One in two men drinks alcohol, and one in five women drinks alcohol. It is increasing, and now there are alcoholic drinks with 40 percent alcohol and above,” he said.
Dr. Nsanzimana said the government therefore started with the issue that was currently causing greater harm, while tobacco remains on the agenda.
“Tobacco will also be addressed, and it will not take long. We started by addressing the major problem that is killing people, but tobacco is also on our agenda, even though its use has been declining significantly,” he said.
Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana said Rwanda will soon turn its attention to tobacco after tackling substandard alcohol consumption.
The milestone celebrates Simba’s 18-year journey of growth, quality, affordability and convenience, with celebrations continuing throughout the week.
Over the years, Simba has expanded its presence and today operates 15 branches across the country, bringing its services closer to communities while responding to the changing needs of Rwandan consumers.
From everyday household essentials and fresh produce to premium local and international brands, Simba has built its offering around giving customers greater choice under one roof.
18 years of growing with customers
At the heart of Simba Supermarket’s journey has been its relationship with customers.
As Simba celebrates 18 years, the anniversary is not only an opportunity to reflect on its growth, but also to recognise the customers, employees, suppliers and partners who have contributed to the journey.
Speaking about the milestone, Simba Supermarket Managing Director Joseph Mutabazi said reaching 18 years is an achievement the company shares with the people who have supported it throughout its journey.
“Eighteen years is more than a milestone for us. It represents 18 years of trust from our customers, commitment from our employees and strong relationships with our partners and suppliers. Simba would not be where it is today without the people who have chosen to grow with us,” Mutabazi said.
Simba has continued to position itself as a neighbourhood supermarket, strategically bringing its outlets closer to residential communities and making everyday shopping more convenient for families.
For Mutabazi, expansion is not simply about increasing the number of stores.
“Our growth has always been driven by one question: how can we serve our customers better? Opening closer to where people live means making shopping more convenient, saving families time and ensuring that quality products are within their reach,” he said.
Beyond traditional retail, it has increasingly developed its stores into spaces where customers can combine shopping with other experiences, including dining and family entertainment.
Quality, affordability and variety
Throughout its growth, Simba Supermarket has maintained a focus on balancing quality with affordability.
Its stores bring together locally sourced products and a diverse selection of international brands, allowing customers to access everyday essentials as well as premium products from different markets around the world.
Through direct sourcing, partnerships with suppliers and an efficient supply chain, it continues to work towards keeping quality products accessible to Rwandan households.
Simba has also continued to strengthen partnerships with local and international businesses as part of efforts to improve customer experience and provide greater value.
Celebrating the people behind the journey
As part of its 18th anniversary, Simba is putting customers and the people who have contributed to its journey at the centre of the celebration.
The milestone provides an opportunity to appreciate long-serving employees, loyal customers, suppliers and business partners who have played a role in the supermarket’s growth over the years.
“This anniversary is an opportunity for us to recognise our employees who serve our customers every day, our suppliers and partners who have believed in our vision, and above all, our customers who continue to choose Simba,” Mutabazi noted.
Among the partners Simba recognises as part of this journey is I&M Bank Rwanda, for its continued partnership which has contributed to the supermarket’s efforts to provide customers with greater convenience over the years.
The anniversary will also be reflected through customer-focused activities and special experiences aimed at thanking shoppers for their continued trust and loyalty.
Looking to the future
At 18, Simba Supermarket says the milestone is as much about the future as it is about celebrating the past.
As Rwanda’s retail sector continues to evolve, changing lifestyles, digital payments and growing consumer expectations are reshaping the shopping experience.
Simba plans to continue responding to these changes by strengthening accessibility, expanding its product offering and improving the overall experience across its stores.
“We are proud of what the past 18 years represent, but we are even more excited about what comes next. Our ambition is to keep evolving with our customers, reach more communities and continue raising the standard of the shopping experience in Rwanda,” Mutabazi said.
After 18 years, Simba Supermarket enters its next chapter with a message of appreciation to the customers and communities that have been part of its journey.
Simba Supermarket has marked its 18th anniversary, celebrating nearly two decades of serving Rwandan households while growing its footprint and strengthening its position as one of the country’s leading retail brands.Simba has built its offering around giving customers greater choice under one roof.Throughout its growth, Simba Supermarket has maintained a focus on balancing quality with affordability.As part of its 18th anniversary, Simba is putting customers and the people who have contributed to its journey at the centre of the celebration. Simba operates 15 branches across the country.
On August 5, 2026, the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA) temporarily suspended 52 imported alcoholic beverages that it said did not meet required quality standards. The products included Kenya King, Gilbey’s Gin, Avalon Premium Vodka, Safari Gin and Sweet Berry Vodka, which are manufactured in Kenya.
Following the suspension, KEBS said it had conducted inspections and laboratory tests on the five Kenyan alcoholic beverages and found that they complied with applicable Kenyan and EAC quality standards.
KEBS also said it was engaging Rwanda FDA and other regulatory authorities in the region to establish the basis for the suspension and find a resolution through mechanisms provided under the EAC framework.
Speaking during a social media engagement hosted on TikTok on August 12, Dr. Nsanzimana responded to the position taken by KEBS.
He said the fact that some of the beverages were reportedly marked for markets outside Kenya raised questions.
“We have seen what our neighbours said, but no one speaks ill of them,” Dr. Nsanzimana said.
“If some of those products were tested and there are labels showing that they are not allowed in their own country but are instead meant for other countries, that is an indication that they may also be seeking profits elsewhere and protecting themselves,” he said.
Dr. Nsanzimana said consumers also have a responsibility to understand the products they use and protect their families.
“Everyone should know what they are doing and how they protect their families,” he said.
The Minister said he did not expect the suspension of the alcoholic beverages to damage Rwanda’s relations with Kenya.
He said the relevant authorities, including those responsible for foreign relations, would work together to address the matter.
The development comes amid a broader crackdown by Rwanda on alcoholic beverages considered to pose quality or safety concerns.
Following the Rwanda FDA’s action against substandard locally produced alcoholic beverages, including the closure of 148 factories, the crackdown also extended to imported alcoholic beverages.
Minister Nsanzimana has defended Rwanda FDA’s decision to suspend the five Kenyan alcoholic beverage brands over quality concerns.Gilbey’s Gin is among the five Kenyan alcoholic beverage brands temporarily suspended from the Rwandan market.
The suspects were presented on August 13, 2026, and all are public servants. Ten of them are employees of Rwanda FDA, while others are from the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) and local government institutions.
Among the Rwanda FDA employees presented are Dr. Eric Nyirimigabo, Head of the Food Department; Dr. Nyamwasa, Division Manager of Food Safety Monitoring; Christian Namahoro, food inspection specialist; Muhimpundu Alice, Food Stores & Outlets Inspection Specialist at the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority; Kangabe Benitha, food technology inspection specialist; and Uwamahoro Elizabeth, a specialist in food safety and monitoring.
The group also includes Niyigena Claudine, a specialist in the inspection of food storage facilities and markets; Ndayishima, a specialist responsible for monitoring medicines after they enter the market; and Nizeyimana Janvier, a specialist in the engineering of food-processing plants.
RIB spokesperson Dr Murangira B. Thierry said 104 people had been arrested since July 20, 2026, in connection with offences related to the production of substandard alcoholic beverages.
Of those arrested, 97 have had case files prepared and submitted to the prosecution, he said.
RIB questions licensing decisions
Dr. Murangira said preliminary investigations had found that some licences were issued without following the recommendations of Rwanda FDA’s Internal Technical Licensing Committee.
“The preliminary investigation showed that some licences were issued without being based on the decisions of the technical committee. We understand clearly that the committee’s decision is what should have been relied upon,” he said.
He cited an inspection of an alcoholic beverage factory where investigators found a machine used to extract juice that had significant amounts of rust.
Dr. Murangira said it was concerning that the factory was eventually granted a licence despite the inspection findings and despite the technical committee recommending against the licence.
According to the RIB spokesperson, on April 23, 2026, the Director General of Rwanda FDA issued a Food Business Operations (FBO) licence to the operator after three requirements had been met.
However, on May 19, the technical committee reviewed the inspectors’ report and recommended that the factory should not be granted the licence.
Dr. Murangira said the committee therefore reviewed a report concerning a licence that had already been issued.
RSB officials also arrested
Some of the suspects presented by RIB are officials from the Rwanda Standards Board who are responsible for issuing different certification documents.
They include Mporanzi Samuel, National Certification Division Manager; Kanyange Celine, Head of the Product Certification Division; and Kabanda Eric, Head of the Systems Certification Division.
Three other RSB employees are being investigated over the issuance of S-Mark certification, which indicates that a product meets the required quality standards.
RIB said the officials allegedly issued S-Mark certificates to more than 18 companies whose products did not meet requirements set by Rwanda FDA.
Dr. Murangira explained that, under normal procedures, a business or manufacturer applies for an S-Mark from RSB, after which the product is assessed to establish whether it meets Rwanda FDA requirements before certification is issued.
“We found a certain alcoholic beverage with an S-Mark, but when we checked its Rwanda FDA documentation, we found that it had none. This created a major gap and became one of the factors behind the proliferation of substandard products on the market,” he said.
Dr. Murangira said the officials arrested from quality-control institutions are suspected of abusing their authority for personal gain and failing to perform their duties for personal interests.
He said quality-control officials have the authority to seize or stop products that do not meet the required standards but allegedly failed to do so.
“The factories that were closed were operating and making money despite not having the required documents. This means that those responsible for issuing the documents turned a blind eye and deliberately ignored the violations, allowing people who should not have benefited to make profits,” he said.
The arrests come after the closure of more than 150 factories in Rwanda over the production of substandard alcoholic beverages.
Five local officials arrested
RIB also arrested five Executive Secretaries of cells and sectors who are suspected of being accomplices to an offence involving providing a person with an item capable of causing death or seriously damaging their health.
Dr Murangira said the local officials allegedly worked with owners of alcoholic beverage factories by warning them about planned enforcement operations or allowing factories that had been closed to resume operations without following legal procedures.
“There were times when we went out looking for places where those beverages were being produced. Because we work with local authorities, we would find that the operators had been warned,” he said.
He added that some of the officials were arrested after closed factories were allowed to resume production in recent days.
According to RIB, some local officials allegedly told factory owners that the closures were temporary and would soon be lifted.
Dr. Murangira, however, said authorities were now also pursuing officials who allegedly enabled the factories to operate without the required licences.
The investigation is part of a wider crackdown on substandard alcoholic beverages in Rwanda, which has so far resulted in the closure of more than 150 factories and the arrest of more than 100 people suspected of involvement in related offences.
Prof. Emile Bienvenu the Director General of Rwanda FDA has been arrested.Prof. Emile Bienvenu (front) was paraded on August 1, 2026.18 individuals, including the Director General of Rwanda FDA (front right) have been paraded.
A study led by researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that neurons in the human cortex can process information in remarkably sophisticated ways.
The findings suggest that individual brain cells function more like tiny biological computers than simple on and off switches.
For decades, scientists have focused largely on the number of neurons in the human brain and the vast networks connecting them when trying to understand human intelligence.
The new research suggests that the complexity of individual neurons may also play an important role in explaining abilities such as language, imagination, mathematics and invention.
The research was led by Professors Idan Segev and Mickey London, together with PhD students Ido Aizenbud and Daniela Yoeli at the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences.
The team also collaborated with Professor Chris de Kock of the Free University in Amsterdam.
To measure the computing power of individual neurons, researchers developed a new approach combining computer modelling and artificial intelligence.
They examined how difficult it would be for an artificial neural network to reproduce the relationship between information entering a biological neuron and the response it produces.
The researchers found that human cortical neurons have highly complex branching structures known as dendritic trees, along with distinctive electrical properties that allow them to perform sophisticated computations.
These abilities enable individual neurons to process complex information, including visual signals.
The findings challenge the traditional view of neurons as relatively simple components whose main role is to transmit signals through the brain.
Instead, the researchers suggest that a single human cortical neuron can operate as a powerful computing unit, with capabilities comparable to those of a deep neural network.
Professor Segev said the findings show that a single human neuron is an “extraordinarily sophisticated computing device,” highlighting how much processing power may exist within individual brain cells.
The discovery could also influence the development of artificial intelligence. Modern AI systems generally rely on simplified artificial units inspired by neurons.
The researchers suggest that future brain-inspired AI could instead use artificial units designed to reproduce some of the deeper computational abilities found in biological neurons.
The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, provides a new perspective on the biological foundations of human intelligence.
It also gives scientists a framework for studying how the physical structure of individual brain cells is connected to their ability to process information.
The researchers believe this approach could contribute to a better understanding of how the human brain produces thought, learning and other complex cognitive abilities.
Scientists have uncovered extraordinary computing power in individual human brain cells
