Neurolink Chip Implanted in Third Paralyzed Patient
- SEOUL (Yonhap) — A third patient has received a brain implant from Neurolink, the neurotechnology company founded by Elon Musk, and is now able to communicate using only...
- Musk shared posts and a video on X, formerly Twitter, attributed to Brad Smith, the patient who received the Neurolink implant.Smith confirmed the posts were his own.
- “I’m typing this article with my brain,” Smith stated in his initial post, explaining that the implant serves as his primary means of communication. He invited questions from...
Neurolink chip Enables ALS Patient to Communicate Via Brain Implant
SEOUL (Yonhap) — A third patient has received a brain implant from Neurolink, the neurotechnology company founded by Elon Musk, and is now able to communicate using only their thoughts. This marks the first instance of the technology being used in a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, who had also lost the ability to speak.
Musk shared posts and a video on X, formerly Twitter, attributed to Brad Smith, the patient who received the Neurolink implant.Smith confirmed the posts were his own.
“Typing With My Brain”
“I’m typing this article with my brain,” Smith stated in his initial post, explaining that the implant serves as his primary means of communication. He invited questions from verified users on the platform.
Smith, who retains movement only in his face and eyes, demonstrated in the video how he uses the brain-computer interface (BCI) to control a MacBook Pro mouse. The voice heard in the video, Smith explained, was generated using artificial intelligence, recreating his voice from recordings made before he lost his ability to speak.
Improved Quality of Life
Prior to receiving the Neurolink implant, Smith relied on eye-tracking technology to communicate, a method he described as limiting. “I had to be trapped in a dark room like Batman,” Smith said, explaining the need for controlled lighting conditions. “Thanks to Neuralink, I can go out and ignore the change of lighting.”
The Neurolink chip is implanted in the motor cortex, the area of the brain responsible for controlling movement. The device transmits data via Bluetooth from 1,024 electrodes to a computer, which Smith says involves “a lot of (signal) processing.”
previous Implants
Noland Arbaugh, the first patient to receive a Neurolink implant, has reportedly experienced a significantly improved quality of life since his surgery in January 2024. He has been able to engage in activities such as playing chess and other computer games. Neurolink reported in August 2024 that a second patient with spinal cord injury paralysis had also received an implant, but did not provide specific details regarding the timing of the procedure.
Neurolink Brain Implant: Enabling dialog for ALS Patients
This article explores the groundbreaking work of Neurolink and its brain implant technology, especially focusing on how it is helping patients with amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) communicate. We’ll delve into the details of the technology, its impact on patients, and the journey of this innovative medical advancement.
What is the Neurolink Brain Implant?
The Neurolink brain implant is a neurotechnology developed by Elon Musk’s company, designed to interface directly with the brain. It aims to help people with neurological conditions communicate and regain lost functions.
Which medical condition is this technology helping with?
According to the article provided, the technology is helping patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. More specifically, the Neurolink implant is helping those who have lost the ability to speak.
How does the Neurolink brain implant work for communication?
The implant is placed in the motor cortex,