Elon Musk’s Neuralink 2nd implant trial sees success

Neuralink, Elon Musk‘s brain technology startup, has reported positive results from its second human trial.

The implant, designed to enable paralyzed patients to control digital devices using their thoughts, has shown promising outcomes without the issues observed in the first trial.

No thread retraction issue in second patient

The second patient, identified as Alex, did not experience the “thread retraction” problem that plagued the first trial patient, Noland Arbaugh.

In the initial trial, the implant’s tiny wires retracted post-surgery, significantly reducing the electrodes available to measure brain signals. Neuralink confirmed that these threads have since stabilized for Arbaugh.

Neuralink acknowledged that it was aware of the thread retraction issue from previous animal trials. To prevent a recurrence in the second patient, the company implemented several measures. These included minimizing brain motion during surgery and reducing the gap between the implant and the brain’s surface.

Applications and patient progress

The device aims to assist individuals with spinal cord injuries. Arbaugh, the first patient, has successfully used the implant to play video games, browse the internet, post on social media, and move a cursor on his laptop.

The second patient, Alex, has similarly used the device to engage in video games and is learning how to design 3D objects.