Neuralink, Elon Musk’s brain implant company, has successfully completed its second human implant procedure, according to Musk himself. During a podcast appearance, Musk shared details about the surgery, stating that it went extremely well and that the implant is functioning effectively in the patient’s brain. The company is gradually moving forward with its ambitious goal of using technology to aid people with severe disabilities.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
Neuralink has implanted its N1 brain chip in a second patient, who, like the first, suffers from a spinal cord injury. This implant is equipped with 1,042 electrodes, although fewer than half of these are currently operational in the new patient. Despite this, the chip is reportedly performing well.
The first patient, Noland Arbaugh, received his implant in January, and although only about 10-15% of the electrodes are working, he has managed to control a computer mouse and even play video games using only his mind. This outcome is considered promising given the early stage of this technology.
Neuralink’s head neurosurgeon, Matthew MacDougall, described the implant surgery as relatively simple, and he expressed optimism about the future capabilities of robots in performing such delicate procedures. However, current surgical robots still lack the adaptability of human surgeons.
Neuralink’s initial focus remains on helping individuals with severe disabilities, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. Musk also hinted at future goals, including using the brain implant to address conditions like blindness, schizophrenia, and seizures. Additionally, the company plans to implant the device in eight more patients by the end of the year.
TF Summary: What’s Next
Neuralink’s progress is setting the stage for what could be a transformative approach to treating neurological conditions. While still in the early phases, the company’s advancements with brain implants offer hope for those suffering from severe disabilities. The next steps will likely involve further testing and refinement of the technology, expanding the scope of potential applications, and possibly preparing for broader clinical trials. The coming months will be critical as Neuralink continues to explore the full potential of its brain-computer interface.
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