Elon Musk’s Neuralink brain chip experienced a malfunction during its first human trial, highlighting the risks associated with this type of technology. While we are all excited about the technological advances of the future, these innovations can sometimes encounter unexpected issues. Recent reports from Elon Musk’s brain-computer interface startup Neuralink reveal the inherent risks in this field. Neuralink announced that its first human brain chip, implanted in a 29-year-old patient named Nolan Arbaugh, experienced a significant malfunction. Here’s what happened…
Elon Musk’s Neuralink Brain Chip Fails During First Human Trial Arbaugh, who became paralyzed from the shoulders down after a diving accident eight years ago, joined the trial with the hope of controlling external technology using only his mind. The implant features 1,024 electrodes and 64 ultra-thin threads to collect data on neural activity and movement intention within the brain.
If everything had gone as planned, Arbaugh would have been able to control external devices through this system. However, a few weeks after the Neuralink chip was implanted, the device malfunctioned, causing some of the ultra-thin threads to retract from the brain. This issue significantly reduced the effectiveness of the electrodes, making it impossible to evaluate how well the system worked. The malfunction not only impacted the trial’s success but also raised concerns about the safety and reliability of brain-computer interface technology.
The incident underscores the need for rigorous safety protocols and thorough testing in the development of neural technology. It also serves as a reminder that while these innovations hold immense potential, they can also pose significant risks to patients and require meticulous care and oversight. Neuralink has yet to provide additional details on the malfunction or its plans for addressing the issue. The company is expected to investigate the cause of the problem and take steps to ensure the safety of future trials.
