Neuralink Brain Chip Implant: Advancing Human-Computer Integration
In a groundbreaking move, Neuralink, the brain chip company founded by Elon Musk, has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to implant its brain-chip in a second person. This decision comes after the company addressed an issue encountered by its first patient, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.
Neuralink made headlines earlier this year when it successfully implanted a wireless brain-chip in a human for the first time. Elon Musk announced this milestone on January 29 through a series of posts on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Last week, Reuters revealed that tiny wires in the brain of the first patient had moved out of place, an issue Neuralink has known about for years. To fix this, the company plans to insert some of the device’s wires deeper into the brain, according to the WSJ, which cited a source familiar with the company and a viewed document.
Neuralink’s first human patient able to control mouse through thinking, Musk says
Since its inception, Neuralink has been dedicated to developing brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). The company received FDA approval for human trials in May of last year and began recruiting for these trials in September 2023.
In February, Musk shared that the first patient with a Neuralink brain-chip had fully recovered and was able to control a computer mouse using their thoughts. In March, Neuralink live-streamed a session where the first patient, Noland Arbaugh, a 29-year-old who became quadriplegic after a diving accident, used the chip to play online chess. Arbaugh, paralyzed from the shoulders down, controlled the chess game using only his mind.
Neuralink’s journey to this point has involved extensive animal testing, which showed a high success rate. The true test of the brain-chip’s success will depend on its long-term performance and the absence of side effects.
History of the Neuralink’s Brain-Chip Implant:
The company disclosed that some of the chip’s threads in Arbaugh’s brain had retracted, affecting data speeds and effectiveness. Neuralink provided limited details on how this happened but mentioned that they enhanced the implant’s sensitivity to boost performance.
Arbaugh was implanted with the chip in January as part of the PRIME Study, which stands for Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface. During this trial, chips are placed in the brain area controlling movement intentions. The robot-installed chip records and sends brain signals to an app, with the initial goal of enabling users to control a computer cursor or keyboard using their thoughts.
Neuralink’s broader ambition is to connect human brains to computers, helping paralyzed individuals control devices or allowing blind people to regain sight. The chip collects electrical signals from the brain and translates them into actions.
Musk previously mentioned that the first product would be named Telepathy, aimed initially at people who have lost limb function. “Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer. That is the goal,” Musk wrote.
As Neuralink continues its pioneering work, the world watches in anticipation of how this technology could reshape the future of human-computer interaction.
Conclusion on Neuralink’s Brain-Chip Implant:
Neuralink’s brain-chip implant represents a significant leap forward in merging human brains with technology. While the journey has faced challenges, such as the issue with the tiny wires in the first patient, Neuralink’s quick response and the FDA’s approval for a second implant highlight the company’s commitment to innovation and improvement.
The success of Noland Arbaugh, who controlled a computer mouse and played online chess using only his thoughts, demonstrates the profound potential of this technology. If Neuralink continues to refine and perfect its brain-chip, it could revolutionize the lives of those with disabilities, offering new ways to interact with the world.
Ultimately, Neuralink’s work is not just about creating a new gadget; it’s about opening up possibilities for people who have lost certain abilities and offering a glimpse into a future where the human brain can interface directly with computers. As the technology progresses, we may see incredible advancements in how we communicate, move, and experience life, driven by the pioneering efforts of Neuralink.
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