Neuralink’s first human brain implant malfunctions; ‘fixed’

Neuralink, the brain implant company owned by Elon Musk, said that it had fixed an issue that saw its first patient’s ability to move a computer cursor greatly reduced.

Musk’s neurotechnology company in January installed a brain implant in Noland Arbaugh, the company’s first human test subject, which the billionaire head of Tesla and X touted as a success.

Arbaugh was left paralyzed from the shoulders down by a diving accident eight years ago.

Shortly after the implant operation, he told of playing chess and the videogame “Civilization,” as well as taking Japanese and French lessons by controlling a computer screen cursor with his brain.

Neuralink’s technology works through a device about the size of five stacked coins that is placed inside the human brain through invasive surgery, of which the threads are a key signal collecting component.

Elon Musk’s brain technology company, Neuralink, recently encountered a notable setback during its inaugural human brain implant trial. The device, designed to enable paralyzed individuals to regain control over their movements, experienced mechanical issues after being implanted in a human patient for the first time. Here’s what we know:

The Setback:

Issue: Some of the electrode-studded threads implanted in the patient’s brain tissue began to retract, causing the device to malfunction.
Cause: The brain’s natural movement within the intracranial space led to perturbations, affecting the implant’s stability.
Result: The device did not work properly, impacting the patient’s initial performance.

The Fix:

Compensation: Neuralink addressed the retraction issue through a series of software fixes.
Outcome: These fixes resulted in a rapid and sustained improvement, surpassing the patient’s initial performance.

Ongoing Work:

Text Entry and Cursor Control: Neuralink is currently working on enhancing text entry for the device and improving cursor control.
Future Goals: The company aims to extend its technology to physical world devices, such as robotic arms and wheelchairs.

Expert Insights:

Neurosurgeon Eric Leuthardt emphasizes the brain’s movement within the skull and the challenges it poses for brain implants.
Rival brain-implant company CEO Matt Angle considers thread retraction abnormal for such implants.

What’s Next?

Neuralink plans to implant its device in more human subjects, but malfunctions could cause delays in FDA approval.

In summary, while Neuralink faced an initial setback, its software fixes have paved the way for improved brain-computer interface technology. As the company continues its research, we can expect further advancements in the field of neural implants.

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to Neuralink and its brain implant technology:

What is Neuralink?
- Neuralink is a neurotechnology company founded by entrepreneur Elon Musk. Its goal is to develop brain-computer interface (BCI) technology that allows direct communication between the human brain and external devices.
How does Neuralink’s brain implant work?
- Neuralink’s brain implant consists of ultra-thin threads (electrode-studded wires) that are inserted into the brain tissue. These threads connect to a small device called the “Link” placed behind the ear, which communicates wirelessly with external devices.
What is the purpose of Neuralink’s brain implant?
- The primary purpose of Neuralink’s brain implant is to restore functionality to individuals with neurological conditions such as paralysis. It aims to enable them to control computers, prosthetics, and other devices directly through their thoughts.
What challenges has Neuralink faced during its human trials?
- Neuralink encountered a setback when some of the implanted threads began to retract due to the brain’s natural movement. This caused the device to malfunction initially.
How did Neuralink address the issue?
- Neuralink implemented software fixes to stabilize the implant and prevent further retraction. These fixes led to significant improvements in the patient’s performance.
What are the future goals of Neuralink?
- Neuralink aims to enhance text entry and cursor control for its brain implant. Additionally, the company plans to extend its technology to physical world devices like robotic arms and wheelchairs.
What do experts say about Neuralink’s progress?
- Neurosurgeon Eric Leuthardt emphasizes the challenges posed by brain movement within the skull.
- Rival brain-implant company CEO Matt Angle considers thread retraction abnormal but acknowledges Neuralink’s progress.
What’s next for Neuralink?
- Neuralink intends to implant its device in more human subjects. However, potential malfunctions could impact FDA approval timelines.