Neuralink Reports Successful Second Human Implant of Brain-Computer Interface with Strong Progress

Neuralink, the brain-computer interface company under renowned American entrepreneur Elon Musk, recently announced that it has completed the second human implantation of its brain-computer interface device. The transplant surgery "went smoothly," and the recipient has shown enhanced abilities in controlling cursors with their mind and playing video games post-surgery.

According to the company, the second transplant surgery was performed in July at the Barrow Neurological Institute in the United States. The recipient, Alex, was discharged the day after the surgery and has had a smooth recovery. With the help of the brain-computer interface (BCI) device, Alex’s ability to play video games has improved, and he has begun learning how to use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create 3D object models. Once the BCI device implanted in Alex’s brain was connected to a computer, he was able to control the cursor with his thoughts in under five minutes. Unlike Nolan Arbo, the recipient of the company’s first BCI implant earlier this January, Alex did not experience the issue of “implant wire retraction.”

On January 28 this year, Neuralink Corp. performed its first human implantation of a brain-computer interface device. Postoperatively, the patient, Arbo, experienced a certain degree of “retraction of the implanted threads.” Neuralink Corp. stated that this issue had temporarily reduced the performance of the brain-computer interface, but the condition has since stabilized. To prevent similar problems in the second implantation surgery, the company implemented a series of measures, including reducing the gap between the implant and the brain surface.

Neuralink Corp stated that the implantation of brain-computer interface devices can help individuals with quadriplegia control digital devices and enhance their autonomy, marking “significant progress” toward these goals with this surgery.

Neuralink Corp stated that after being implanted into the brain, this device can read brain activity signals. The company hopes to use it for treating memory decline, cervical spinal cord injuries, and other neurological disorders, helping paralyzed individuals regain the ability to communicate with the outside world and even walk again. In May last year, the company received approval to launch clinical trials of its brain-computer interface implant in humans.