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Neuralink Corp, Elon Musk’s brain technology venture, revealed mechanical issues with the device implanted in its first human patient. The company shared this development in a recent blog post, citing challenges encountered following the January surgery on patient Noland Arbaugh. According to Neuralink, some electrode-studded threads within the brain tissue retracted in the weeks post-surgery, leading to improper functioning of the device.
To address this setback, Neuralink implemented a series of software fixes. These adjustments resulted in a rapid and sustained improvement surpassing Noland’s initial performance, as mentioned by the company.
Neuralink is currently focusing on enhancing text entry and cursor control functionalities of the device. The company also aims to extend these capabilities to control physical devices like robotic arms and wheelchairs.
Neurosurgeon Eric Leuthardt from Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis pointed out the challenges associated with brain implant technology. He mentioned, “One thing engineers and scientists fail to appreciate is how much the brain moves within the intracranial space. Just nodding your head or abruptly moving it can lead to perturbations of several millimetres."
Matt Angle, CEO of rival brain-implant company Paradromics Inc., expressed concern over the retraction of threads, stating that it is abnormal for a brain implant.
Despite the challenges faced, Neuralink intends to proceed with implanting its device in more human subjects. However, potential malfunctions could lead to delays in obtaining approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
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