Elon Musk, co-founder of Neuraling, recently announced that he is ready to take another step forward in neurotechnology research.
A second patient will soon receive an innovative brain chip developed by the company. The news comes after the first trial ran into some hurdles. The device was partially detached from the first participant's brain. Musk said changes have been made to the surgery Place the device to prevent similar problems in the future.
The NeuraLink device represents an advanced frontier in the field of brain-computer interfaces (PCI). Designed to be inserted into the skull, the tiny device consists of flexible wires that extend into brain tissue, thinner than a human hair. and picks up neural impulses. The company's first product aims to allow paralyzed people to control external devices with their thoughts. In addition, Musk noted the development of a second product aimed at partially restoring sight to the blind.
The first experiment and its results
Noland Arbach is the first person to receive a brain implant from Neuraling. After surgery, Arbaugh was able to move a cursor on a screen using only his thoughts, opening up new possibilities in web browsing and email use. However, a few weeks after the intervention, problems appeared in the system, which required corrective measures by the company.
In response to problems with the first implant, Neuralink has made significant improvements in both its methodology and surgery. The goal is to reduce future complications by improving the stability of the implant by better managing the space under the implant. and greater depth of insertion of wires into brain tissue.
With lessons learned from the first trial, Neuralink is now preparing to expand its research by including additional participants in its clinical trials. Musk's stated goal is to implant the device in about ten patients this year. Moreover, it is already working on a new generation device that promises to double the capacity thanks to an increase in the number of wires and electrodes.
These discoveries represent not only a technological advance, but also a firm hope for many people affected by severe disabilities or limiting medical conditions. With each new trial participant and each technology update implemented in its BCI devices, Neuralink It is approaching its ultimate goal: to create a symbiosis between human and digital intelligence capable of overcoming the current limitations of neuromedicine.
