Search Here

Neuralink, Elon Musk's brain-chip venture, has encountered a setback with its maiden human implant as the device dislodged from the patient's skull, diminishing data acquisition capabilities, the company disclosed on Wednesday.

Noland Arbaugh, a 29-year-old paralyzed from the shoulders down due to a diving accident, became the first recipient of Neuralink's brain-computer interface (BCI) in January. The implant, intended to aid paralysis patients in controlling external technology through neural signals, was part of Neuralink's six-year trial to assess safety and functionality.

A recent video demonstrated Arbaugh utilizing the BCI to engage in video gaming, effectively showcasing the capabilities and potential of the technology.

"Now I can literally just lie in bed and play to my heart's content," he said, the New York Post reported.

However, complications arose when several threads of the implant retracted from Arbaugh's brain, reducing effective electrode connections and impeding data transmission.

Neuralink stated in a Wednesday blog post that "a number of threads retracted from [Arbaugh's] brain," resulting in a net decrease in the number of effective electrodes.

Neuralink addressed the issue by refining recording algorithms and interface designs to enhance signal sensitivity and accuracy. Despite setbacks, Arbaugh reportedly utilizes the BCI system extensively, expressing enthusiasm for its potential impact.

"In response to this change, we modified the recording algorithm to be more sensitive to neural population signals, improved the techniques to translate these signals into cursor movements, and enhanced the user interface," Neuralink added, emphasizing that the refinement will improve the accuracy of Arbaugh's control over the cursor's bits per second (BPS).

According to the company, BPS is "the standard measure for speed and accuracy."

"These refinements produced a rapid and sustained improvement in BPS, that has now superseded Noland's initial performance," Neuralink said.

The company's relocation from Delaware to Nevada, following legal disputes, adds to the narrative surrounding Neuralink's journey. While the malfunction hasn't directly jeopardized Arbaugh's safety, discussions regarding potential explantation highlight ongoing challenges.

Neuralink's transparency regarding its technology and human trials remains a subject of scrutiny, with calls for increased openness amid FDA-approved human testing and prior animal trials.