Elon Musk’s company, Neuralink, has achieved another milestone in its ambitious mission to integrate the human brain with digital technology. Musk recently announced the successful implantation of a brain chip in a second individual, a patient suffering from a spinal cord injury. This development, first reported by Reuters on August 4, 2024, marks a significant step forward in allowing paralyzed people to control digital devices using their thoughts.
Advanced Technology at Work
The implanted device, designed to establish communication between the brain and a computer, consists of a capsule attached behind the ear, similar to a hearing aid. From this capsule, thread-like electrodes extend into the brain. The device reportedly uses up to 1,500 electrodes—each one thinner than a human hair—to read brain signals and transmit them to a computer. A processor, measuring just 4×4 mm, processes data from thousands of these electrodes.
Neuralink’s website details that the neurochip operates with 1,024 electrodes, though 400 were reportedly active in the second volunteer’s chip. This intricate design promises to unlock new possibilities for people with disabilities, enabling them to control devices through neural signals.
Pioneering Efforts and Challenges
The first successful implantation took place in January 2024, when a paralyzed man received the chip after a diving accident had left him immobile from the shoulders down. Remarkably, the individual could engage in activities such as playing video games, navigating the internet, and even posting on social media— all controlled by his thoughts.
However, Neuralink faced some initial challenges with this first implant. A month after surgery, it was observed that many of the chip’s electrodes had shifted, impairing their ability to read neural signals. This setback prompted the company to enhance its approach by embedding the chip deeper into the motor cortex of the brain.
Future Prospects and Expansion Plans
Neuralink is optimistic about its progress, with plans to implant chips in 10 more volunteers by the end of 2024. The company has also revealed intentions to apply for trials in Canada and the UK. With U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval already secured, Neuralink is paving the way for broader clinical trials that could revolutionize treatments for neurological disorders and spinal cord injuries.
As the company moves forward, it remains focused on refining its technology, hoping to make brain-computer interfaces a practical reality for those suffering from paralysis.
Source: Neuralink Brain Chip Announcement.