Biotech
Thursday, March 21st, 2024 2:20 pm EDT
Key Points
- Neuralink streamed a live video demonstrating a patient using its brain implant to control a computer mouse and play chess, showcasing the potential of its brain-computer interface (BCI) technology.
- Noland Arbaugh, the first human patient implanted with Neuralink’s device, underwent surgery to insert electrodes into his brain tissue, enabling him to control external technologies using neural signals despite being a quadriplegic due to a diving accident.
- While Neuralink’s advancements offer hope for patients with severe paralysis, challenges remain in interpreting and analyzing brain signals effectively, necessitating transparency and collaboration within the BCI industry to ensure progress and safety.
Neuralink, Elon Musk’s brain-computer interface (BCI) startup, showcased a live video demonstrating its brain implant technology, featuring Noland Arbaugh as the first human patient to receive the device. The implant, known as Telepathy, aims to enable individuals with severe paralysis to control external devices using neural signals. Arbaugh, a quadriplegic due to a diving accident, underwent surgery to implant the device, describing the procedure as “super easy.” Despite encountering some issues, Arbaugh emphasized the life-changing impact of the technology. BCIs, which decode brain signals into commands for external technologies, hold promise for patients with degenerative diseases like ALS, potentially enabling tasks such as texting with the mind. While Neuralink’s advancements garnered attention, similar BCI systems have existed for years, with companies like Paradromics and Synchron also developing implantable devices. Challenges remain in interpreting brain signals effectively, highlighting the need for transparency and collaboration within the BCI industry. Neuralink initiated its first in-human clinical trial after FDA approval in 2023, with Arbaugh as the first participant, though details about the trial remain limited. Dr. Marco Baptista from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation expressed hope for Neuralink’s technology but emphasized the importance of scientific rigor and peer-reviewed publications to assess its efficacy. As Neuralink progresses, transparency and thorough testing will be essential to ensure safety and efficacy before market approval.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/20/neuralink-shares-video-of-patient-playing-chess-using-signals-from-brain-implant-.html
