A paralyzed patient at UM just got Elon Musk’s brain chip. Here are 5 takeaways
A paralyzed military veteran, identified as RJ, has become one of the first individuals in the U.S. to receive a brain chip implant from Neuralink, a company co-founded by Elon Musk. This groundbreaking procedure is part of a clinical trial at the University of Miami aimed at helping paralyzed individuals control electronic devices with their minds.
FULL STORY: Elon Musk’s brain chip was put in a patient at Miami-area hospital. What to know
Here are the highlights:
The Neuralink chip, known as the Link or Telepathy, was implanted by surgeons at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, marking the first such procedure at a Miami hospital. The chip allows RJ to wirelessly control a computer, as demonstrated by his ability to play video games using only his mind.
RJ, who was paralyzed after a motorcycle accident, expressed that the implant has restored his sense of purpose and drive. He is among seven individuals in the U.S. who have received the implant, with the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis being a key site for these clinical trials.
Neuralink’s trials aim to test the safety and effectiveness of the chip in individuals aged 22 to 75 with paralysis from spinal cord injuries or ALS. The company has also received approval to conduct similar trials in Canada, the UK and the UAE.
The surgical procedure for implanting the chip is minimally invasive, utilizing a Neuralink surgical robot to insert ultra-thin threads into the brain. These threads record and transmit neural signals to a computer, enabling users to perform tasks like moving a cursor or turning on a TV. Tests are underway to see if the chip can help users control a robotic arm.
RJ’s participation in the trial is seen as a significant step toward finding solutions for paralysis, with the technology offering new possibilities for improving the quality of life for those with motor deficits. His experience has been shared in demonstrations, showing the potential of the technology to transform lives.
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in the Miami Herald newsroom. The full story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by Miami Herald journalists.