Elon Musk’s brain-computer interface company, Neuralink, has achieved another milestone by implanting a neurochip in a second patient with a spinal cord injury. This technological breakthrough aims to help individuals with severe paralysis regain control over digital devices using only their thoughts. The announcement, made by Musk, was reported by Reuters on Sunday, August 4.
How the Neuralink Chip Works
The implanted device consists of a capsule-receiver placed behind the ear, similar to a hearing aid. Thin, thread-like electrodes extend from the capsule to the brain, with up to 1,500 electrodes in total. Each electrode is four times thinner than a human hair and can read brain signals with incredible precision. The chip contains a 4×4 mm processor capable of handling data from 10,000 electrodes, enabling high-resolution communication between the brain and external devices.
Challenges from the First Implantation
Neuralink’s first human implant took place in January 2024, when a chip was implanted into a paralyzed man. The patient, who lost mobility from the shoulders down following a diving accident, was able to play video games, use the internet, and even make posts on social media by simply thinking about his actions. However, a month after the initial success, some of the chip’s electrodes had shifted and stopped functioning correctly, prompting the need for a more refined procedure.
A Deeper Implantation for Better Results
To address the shortcomings of the first surgery, Neuralink decided to implant the chip deeper into the brain of the second volunteer, specifically targeting the motor cortex. In May, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted the company approval to proceed with this second implantation. Neuralink now plans to implant the chip in a total of 10 volunteers by the end of 2024, with the possibility of expanding clinical trials to Canada and the UK in the near future.
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