Neuralink Faces Early Hurdle: First Human Trial Encounters Setback
Neuralink, the brain chip startup founded by Elon Musk, has encountered a significant challenge in its first human trial. The test subject, Noland Arbaugh, who has been a quadriplegic since a diving accident in 2016, was implanted with the Neuralink chip in January as part of the PRIME Study. This trial aims to test the safety and functionality of the implant, which is designed to enable control of computer interfaces through thought alone.
However, just a few weeks post-implantation, the company disclosed in a blog post that several of the chip’s connective threads had retracted from Arbaugh’s brain. This detachment hindered the implant’s data transmission speeds and overall effectiveness. Despite the lack of detailed explanation on how the threads became detached, Neuralink was able to enhance the sensitivity of the implant, improving its performance.
This setback has not stopped Arbaugh from achieving remarkable progress; about a month after the surgery, he was able to control a computer mouse with his thoughts, an encouraging sign of the device’s potential capabilities. Neuralink’s long-term goal is ambitious: to enable individuals with paralysis or visual impairments to interact with technology seamlessly.
The road ahead involves rigorous testing and regulatory approvals before such technology can reach a broader audience. Neuralink has already received FDA clearance for its trials and is in communication with the agency about the recent issue. This development represents a crucial step in advancing brain-computer interface technology, which could fundamentally change the lives of millions suffering from severe disabilities.
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