Second individual receives Neuralink brain implant, according to Elon Musk's update
In a significant development for the future of neurotechnology, Neuralink, Elon Musk's brain-computer interface company, has successfully completed its second human implant. The recipient, known by the pseudonym "Alex," received the device in August 2024.
Alex, who has a spinal cord injury similar to the first patient, Nolad Arbaugh, has reportedly used the Neuralink implant to design 3D models with CAD software and play first-person shooter games. Unlike Arbaugh, Alex's implant placement was adjusted to reduce thread retraction issues, and he has reported no such complications since his surgery.
The first Neuralink implant was administered in January 2024 to Nolad Arbaugh, a quadriplegic who has since been able to control computers and play games using the device. Arbaugh shared that the implant has helped him reconnect with the world, his friends, and his family.
Elon Musk, Neuralink's CEO, spoke about the second implant on his podcast with MIT research scientist Lex Fridman, stating that the device has a lot of signal and a lot of electrodes, and it is working very well. He also revealed that Neuralink plans to administer eight more chips this year as part of its continued human trials.
The Neuralink chip, which is roughly the size of a quarter, features dozens of electrodes that are implanted into the brain. The device works to pick up electrical signals from neurons in the brain, allowing the patient to control digital devices solely through their thoughts.
Musk did not reveal the identity of the second patient for the Neuralink implant, but he did mention that the second patient has a similar spinal cord injury to Arbaugh's. Neuralink has conducted implants in multiple patients since 2024, including Nick Ray and Audrey Cruz in Miami, but these individuals are among later-enrolled participants, not the second patient.
Arbaugh previously gave an update in May on what his life has been like after receiving the Neuralink implant. He experienced complications with his chip, including 85% of its wires becoming detached within weeks, but he was still able to participate in his favorite hobbies like gaming.
In a previous update, Musk shared that "progress is good" and the first patient, Noland Arbaugh, has made a full recovery with no known ill effects. With the successful completion of the second implant, Neuralink continues to move forward in its mission to help people with spinal cord injuries, quadriplegia, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) regain control of their lives.
- The Neuralink chip, featuring multiple electrodes, allows patients like Alex and Nolad Arbaugh to control digital devices using only their thoughts, offering a potential solution for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
- In a podcast with Lex Fridman, Elon Musk, Neuralink's CEO, shared that the company plans to administer eight more chips this year as part of their human trials, with a focus on helping people with medical conditions such as spinal cord injuries, quadriplegia, and ALS.
- The recent news about the successful second Neuralink implant, followed by Alex's ability to design 3D models and play video games, has generated excitement in the field of technology, health, and wellness, as well as in the realm of science and medical-condition research.
