Neuralink, the brain-chip startup founded by Elon Musk, has successfully implanted its device in a second patient, aiming to allow paralyzed individuals to use digital devices through thought alone.
This follows the initial implant earlier this year, which enabled the first patient to play video games, browse the internet, and post on social media.
The second patient, like the first, suffers from a spinal cord injury. “I don’t want to jinx it but it seems to have gone extremely well with the second implant,” Musk said during an eight-hour podcast with host Lex Fridman. He noted that 400 of the implant’s electrodes are functioning in the second patient’s brain.
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Neuralink plans to implant eight more patients as part of its ongoing clinical trials. The first patient, Noland Arbaugh, shared his experience on the podcast, explaining how the implant has provided him with newfound independence by allowing him to control a computer cursor with his thoughts.
Despite initial technical issues with retracted wires reducing electrode functionality, Neuralink adjusted the implant’s algorithm, significantly improving its performance. Arbaugh has since broken his record for the speed of cursor control using only 10-15% of the electrodes.
Musk also mentioned discussions with Republican candidate Donald Trump about forming a commission to improve government efficiency by reducing business regulations, which he believes hinder innovation.
