Neuralink, one of the most important initiatives of the last century, announced on Wednesday that part of its brain implant has malfunctioned. Here are all the details.
Previously, we shared with you that Neuralink’s brain implant was implanted in a patient named Nolan Arbaugh, and he could play chess with his mind.
Can you believe it? This was really great news. I have friends with disabilities around me, and I felt a little bit of hope for them!
What is the Neuralink brain implant problem?
Neuralink has developed an innovative brain-computer interface (BCI) that creates a bridge between the human brain and technology. The system is aimed exclusively at paralyzed patients and allows them to control devices with their thoughts.
The system, which the company calls Link, records nerve signals using 1024 electrodes along 64 “threads” – thinner than a human hair.
Weeks after the first brain implant was inserted, it was revealed that several threads had retracted from Arbaugh’s brain. This meant there were fewer effective electrodes, hampering the company’s ability to measure Link’s speed and accuracy. Neuralink did not disclose how many threads were pulled back from the tissue. You can reach the statement by clicking this link.
The company quickly fixed the problem. It improved the registration algorithm, streamlined the user experience, and improved signal processing techniques to translate cursor movements accurately.
Neuralink is not the only company developing BCI technology. The technology has been researched in academic settings for decades. However, the company still needs to pass extensive safety and efficacy testing before it can get approval from the US Food and Drug Administration to commercialize it.
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