Neuralink, the neurotechnology startup founded by Elon Musk, has encountered a setback with its brain-computer interface that was surgically implanted in its inaugural human patient earlier this year.
In March, Neuralink successfully implanted its groundbreaking technology into the brain of Noland Arbaugh, a 29-year-old individual who unfortunately became paralysed from the shoulders down due to a diving accident in 2016. This remarkable achievement allows users to control computer cursors using only the power of their minds.
The N1 brain-computer interface by Neuralink utilises 64 threads, which consist of a total of 1,024 electrodes. These electrodes are designed to detect neural activity in the brain and convert it into precise cursor movements.

In a blog post, Neuralink has stated that a certain number of the 64 threads connecting the implant to Arbaugh’s brain experienced retraction in the weeks after the surgery. This resulted in a decrease in the amount of information it could gather.
As a result, there was a decrease in the number of effective electrodes connected to Arbaugh’s brain, which affected the speed and accuracy of his cursor control through Neuralink’s interface.
As a result, Neuralink made adjustments to its algorithm, enhancing its sensitivity and responsiveness to the signals it received. This led to significant and consistent improvements in Noland’s ability to effectively operate the cursor.
Using the brain computer interface developed by the Fremont, California company, Arbaugh has been able to effortlessly browse the internet and enjoy a range of computer games, from online chess to Civilization VI and Mario Kart, all controlled solely by his mind. Arbaugh used to employ a stylus that he held in his mouth.
Neuralink’s blog post was published online in response to a request from the Wall Street Journal, according to the newspaper. According to sources familiar with the situation, The Wall Street Journal reported that the issues may have been caused by air trapped inside Arbaugh’s brain.
The startup, founded by Musk in 2016 with a team of renowned neuroscientists, is now set to expand its reach by implanting the N1 device into the brains of 10 additional patients this year, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.
According to the newspaper, the company has informed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration about its potential resolution to the issues with Arbaugh’s implant.