Neuralink’s Progress with Brain Implant

(Reuters) – Elon Musk’s brain technology startup Neuralink announced that its implant designed to enable paralyzed patients to control digital devices through thought is performing successfully in its second trial patient.

The patient, referred to as Alex, has not experienced the “thread retraction” issue that affected the first patient, Noland Arbaugh, who received the implant in January. In Arbaugh’s case, the implant’s tiny wires retracted post-surgery, leading to a significant decrease in electrodes capable of measuring brain signals. Neuralink confirmed that the threads have since stabilized for Arbaugh.

Reuters previously reported that Neuralink was aware of this issue from earlier animal trials. To avoid similar problems with its second patient, Neuralink stated it has introduced new measures, including reducing brain movement during surgery and minimizing the gap between the implant and brain surface.

Neuralink is currently testing its device, which aims to assist individuals with spinal cord injuries. The first patient has successfully used the implant to play video games, browse the internet, engage on social media, and operate a laptop cursor.

Last month, the device was successfully implanted into the second patient, who has since been using it to play video games and is learning how to design 3D objects.