Neuralink Faces Issues with First Human Brain Implant, Noland Arbaugh

May 15, 2024, 12:25 PM

Elon Musk’s Neuralink has faced significant challenges with its brain-computer interface device, which was implanted in its first human subject, Noland Arbaugh, a quadriplegic man. Within weeks of the implantation, several of the ultra-thin threads retracted from the brain, leading to a malfunction. The company has known about this issue for years, as it was observed during animal testing. Despite this, Neuralink proceeded with human trials, deeming the risk low enough to not warrant a redesign. Arbaugh, who received the implant over 100 days ago, has experienced both setbacks and improvements, including using the device to play video games and beat his friends. Neuralink has offered few details on the malfunction but has considered removing the device. One theory suggests that pneumocephalus, a condition where air enters the brain cavity, may have contributed to the threads retracting. Redesigning the brain chip could result in brain damage.