Neuralink's brain implant shows promise amidst challenges and FDA scrutiny
10 May 2024 08:03
Neuralink, Elon Musk's company, recently disclosed the results of its first tests regarding brain implantation. Although the study initially showed promise, it encountered numerous problems.
In March 2024, Elon Musk revealed that Neuralink had implanted the first brain implant in a patient. 29-year-old Noland Arbaugh, who was paralyzed after a diving accident, can now move a cursor and play "Civilization VI" using his thoughts after the procedure. This technology supports hours of intensive gameplay. However, it's important to note that the device needs recharging every eight hours. Musk highlighted that future Neuralink implants could enable individuals with spinal cord injuries to walk.
What problems emerged with the N1 implant's performance?
Despite the initially promising results, several issues with the N1 implant, designed to create a brain-computer interface for controlling devices through thought alone, soon became apparent in Noland Arbaugh's case. The implant struggled due to its ultra-thin electrodes.
IFLScience provided information that some electrodes had dislodged from the brain a few weeks post-procedure, reducing the number of effectively functioning electrodes. Consequently, this diminished the capability to control the computer cursor through thought, affecting the action's speed and accuracy. Neuralink, however, was able to make adjustments to the algorithms that record and process neural signals. The company reported these modifications led to a "rapid and sustained improvement," surmounting Arbaugh's initial capabilities.
Neuralink's achievements shadowed by FDA investigation
The functionality of the N1 implant was showcased to the public during a live broadcast in March on the social platform X. In this presentation, Arbaugh, paralyzed from the neck down, demonstrated his new ability to control a cursor while playing chess. He described this as an opportunity to perform tasks that had been impossible since his accident. Elon Musk, Neuralink's founder, likened this achievement to telepathy.
Yet, it's essential to recognize that the excitement surrounding the company's advancements may be dampened by controversies concerning its animal research. Initially approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human trials, these studies are now under federal investigation. Despite these challenges, Neuralink remains determined to revolutionize brain-computer interactions.
