News of Neuralink’s brain implant malfunction has unnerved a few people but such hiccups are almost to be expected in the progression of science. Around 8 months ago, the news of the Neuralink brain chip caused quite a stir after the company won the necessary FDA approvals to get started with human clinical trials. Now, the company is well on its way to widening the scope of its testing to understand the full range of what the chip can do. Neuralink’s first human patient received the implant of the Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) in January, but recent reports indicated that the chip had malfunctioned. The Neuralink electrode malfunction has been resolved according to recent reports, which is a good sign for the company and the participant.
Image: Neuralink on X/Twitter “Infrared images to detect hotspots on the bottom surface of an implant while charging with the charger coil in different positions”
Neuralink Brain Implant Malfunctions but There’s No Cause for Alarm
If you’re wondering what the Neuralink brain chip news is about then it’s in reference to Neuralinks brain-computer interface that has been called the N1 Implant. The interface is designed to help an individual control a device with their mind without having to physically interact with it. If that sounds like an unnecessary bit of technology, then this is a reminder that not all tech is designed for universal use. Neuralink’s offering is designed for those with disabilities who have lost the use of their limbs and cannot operate technology independently. Technology like this could simplify their lives and bring back access to various experiences that had previously been lost to them.
Neuralink’s first human patient, 29-year-old Texan Noland Arbaugh, had previously lost the use of all four limbs in an accident, but the implant has helped him regain some independence in how he interacts with technology. Using the BCI, he can now play online chess and Sid Meier’s Civilization VI, a development that may sound limited for some, but one that has the potential to open the doors to a whole world of integration. Additional Neuralink brain chip news also suggests that he can use a mouse to control where the cursor moves on the screen, which is a pretty significant step forward if you ask me.
Image: The N1 implant
How Did the Neuralink Brain Implant Malfunction?
The Neuralink electrode malfunction that is currently being discussed, was caused by some of the implants’ connective threads retracting from the brain. This caused a decline in the device’s ability to pick up on signals. The BCI implant records neural activity through the 1,024 electrodes that are distributed via the threads directly placed across the surface area of the brain. These thin, flexible leads are inserted into the cortex via the R1 Robot, so they can be placed as close to the neurons as possible. The signals captured by the threads are transmitted up to the main enclosure, and then wirelessly shared to the Neurolink Application running on an external device.
It can be difficult to visualize how tiny our threads are. We had a banana for scale, but Pager ate it 🍌 pic.twitter.com/l11eBWd7e9
— Neuralink (@neuralink) August 23, 2023
The application decodes the neural data and converts it into data that can be processed by the computer, resulting in an action on the screen of the device. Nothing about the process is simple and considering we’re only in the early stages of the PRIME study, there are bound to be some roadblocks.
“Neuralink will help restoring functionality to people who have lost the connection between their brain & the body. It will also help in restoration of eyesight.”
— DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) May 11, 2024
Explaining how they tackled the Neuralink brain implant malfunction, the company stated, “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. These refinements produced a rapid and sustained improvement in BPS (bits-per-seconds), that has now superseded Noland’s initial performance.” The Neuralink team was able to make changes to the algorithm without having to mess with the device physically, prompting it to improve its sensitivity and elevate signals, restoring any lost functionality.
Image: Neuralink’s brain implant malfunction has been addressed promptly.
Neuralink Ushers In A New Era of Technology
All things considered, the Neuralink brain implant malfunction isn’t as severe as news sources may lead you to believe. The participant wasn’t reported to have experienced serious discomfort or danger from Neuralink’s electrode malfunction which is the most important aspect of the story we need to focus on. Considering the PRIME study is still in its early phase, there could be many more issues it encounters before they have a fully functioning, marketable device. If the product is released to the public, the threads detaching will be a real issue that will require a solution the buyers could employ themselves. Further Neuralink brain chip news updates need to be tracked to assess the full scale of progress being made with the device.
Neuralink was kind enough to open their doors for me to tour their headquarters a few weeks back. It was an amazing experience and a day I’ll never forget. This was at a company wide meeting at the end of the day. Thank you to everyone who made this possible. Hope y’all enjoy!… pic.twitter.com/YNa2Jtjhnk
— Noland Arbaugh (@ModdedQuad) March 22, 2024
Noland Arbaugh, Neuralink’s first human patient, has spoken up in support of the device and how it has improved the quality of his life overall. The success of the implant could revolutionize mobility tech and increase the independence that users can enjoy without the constant aid of a caregiver. Elon Musk’s reassurance of Neuralink’s progress ends positively for now as we look forward to the future of accessible, inclusive technology that could offer just about anyone a second chance at life.