Neuralink's Groundbreaking Brain Chip Implant: First Human Test Subject Regains Computer Control After Spinal Cord Injury

Austin, Texas United States of America
Arbaugh, a quadriplegic since a diving accident eight years ago, can now control computer using thoughts thanks to Neuralink's brain implant.
Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk, successfully implanted brain chip in first human participant Noland Arbaugh in January 2024.
Neuralink plans to improve technology following initial issues with Arbaugh's connection and restore lost data.
Neuralink's device uses 64 wires with over 1,000 electrodes to read neuron activity and connect with computers or smartphones.
Two new study participants will be implanted in coming months, aiming to help paralyzed people control computers and test robotic arm controlled by thoughts.
Neuralink's Groundbreaking Brain Chip Implant: First Human Test Subject Regains Computer Control After Spinal Cord Injury

Neuralink, the brain technology startup founded by Elon Musk, made headlines recently with the successful implantation of its brain chip in the first human participant, Noland Arbaugh. The groundbreaking scientific research paves the way for improving the lives of paralyzed people.

Arbaugh became a quadriplegic after sustaining a spinal cord injury from a diving accident eight years ago. In January 2024, he underwent surgery to receive Neuralink's brain implant chip, which is approximately the size of a coin and implanted beneath the skull.

The device uses 64 tiny wires equipped with over 1,000 electrodes to read neuron activity in the brain and connect with a computer or smartphone. Arbaugh can now have nearly full control over using a computer just by thinking, something he was not able to do before the implant.

Neuralink plans to implant two new study participants in the coming months, aiming to help people who cannot use their arms control computers and tablets using their thoughts. The company also plans to test a robotic arm that could be controlled by thought and used for tasks like controlling a smart home or operating a prosthetic arm.

Despite some initial issues with the technology, Neuralink made modifications to improve Arbaugh's connection and restore lost data. He is now hopeful that spinal cord injuries will not be completely debilitating in the future.

Neuralink was co-founded by Elon Musk in 2016 and is one of several companies testing brain-computer interfaces in volunteers with paralysis. These devices can decode brain signals, allowing people to control external devices using their thoughts.

Arbaugh's interview on Good Morning America provided a firsthand account of his experience with the Neuralink technology and its impact on his life.


Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image

Confidence

85%

Doubts
  • It is unclear if the initial issues with Arbaugh's connection have been fully resolved.
  • The article does not mention any peer-reviewed studies or scientific journals regarding Neuralink's technology.

Sources

99%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Neuralink's first brain implant patient feared device would have to be removed

ABC NEWS SITE NAMES Name: ABC News Site Names URL: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/us-officially-blames-iran_106834435 ABC News Sunday, 19 May 2024 09:18
  • Unique Points
    • Noland Arbaugh became the first human to receive Elon Musk's Neuralink brain implant chip called 'The Link' in January after sustaining a spinal cord injury.
    • The device, approximately the size of a coin and implanted beneath the skull, uses 64 tiny wires equipped with over 1,000 electrodes to read neuron activity in the brain and connect with a computer or smartphone.
    • Arbaugh can now have nearly full control over using a computer just by thinking, something he was not able to do before the implant.
    • Neuralink's devices aim to help people with debilitating conditions control external devices, including computers and smartphones.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (95%)
    No formal fallacies were found in the article. However, there are a few instances of inflammatory rhetoric and appeals to authority. The use of phrases like 'pioneering technology', 'freak accident', and emphasizing on the ability to control a computer just like anyone else can, create an emotionally charged narrative that may not be entirely objective. Additionally, there is an appeal to authority when quoting Neuralink's description of its devices and DJ Seo's statements about the modifications made to the technology.
    • ]The 30-year-old quadriplegic man who opted to become the first human to receive Elon Musk’s Neuralink brain implant chip called “The Link” revela[...]
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

98%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Who Is Neuralink's First Patient? Noland Arbaugh on His Brain Implant

Bloomberg News Now Ashlee Vance Sunday, 19 May 2024 09:18
  • Unique Points
    • Noland Arbaugh had his first day off as a sports counselor at Island Lake Camp in Starrucca, Pennsylvania in mid-2016.
    • Noland Arbaugh is a student at Texas A&M University.
    • He had spent two previous summers working at the kids camp.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

98%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Neuralink's First Brain Implant Patient Reveals How The Technology Changed His Life

NDTV News Sunday, 19 May 2024 03:55
  • Unique Points
    • Neuralink is a brain technology startup founded by Elon Musk.
    • Noland Arbaugh became the first human to receive a Neuralink brain implant chip in January 2024.
    • Arbaugh participated in groundbreaking scientific research to help pave the way to improve the lives of paralysed people.
    • There were recently some issues with the technology that nearly led to Neuralink removing the device from Arbaugh’s brain due to lost data and retracted implant threads.
    • Neuralink made modifications to the technology, improving Arbaugh’s connection and restoring lost data.
  • Accuracy
    • ]Neuralink is a brain technology startup founded by Elon Musk.[
    • Arbaugh can now have nearly full control over using a computer just by thinking, something he was not able to do before the implant.
    • Neuralink aims to help people with debilitating conditions control external devices, including computers and smartphones.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (95%)
    The article contains some instances of appeals to authority with the mention of Elon Musk and his company Neuralink. However, there are no clear logical fallacies or dichotomous depictions in the text.
    • Neuralink is a brain technology startup founded by Elon Musk.
    • The ambition is to supercharge human capabilities, treat neurological disorders like ALS or Parkinson’s, and maybe one day achieve a symbiotic relationship between humans and artificial intelligence.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

83%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Elon Musk’s Neuralink is seeking a second person to test its brain chip

CNN News Site: In-Depth Reporting and Analysis with Some Financial Conflicts and Sensational Language Clare Duffy Friday, 17 May 2024 15:45
  • Unique Points
    • Elon Musk’s Neuralink is seeking a second person to test its brain chip.
    • ,
    • Neuralink claims to have made adjustments to improve its function despite the issue.
  • Accuracy
    • Noland Arbaugh has been implanted with the brain chip for five months.
    • Arbaugh’s implant experienced an unexpected problem with the threads connecting the chip to his brain, causing performance issues.
    • The brain chip allows Arbaugh, who is a quadriplegic, to control a computer cursor with his brain, significantly improving his quality of life.
    • Neuralink’s ambition is to use implants to connect human brains to computers in order to help paralyzed people control smartphones or computers and potentially restore sight for the blind.
    • The current trial participants will be part of Neuralink’s PRIME Study, focusing on safety, surgical robotics, and device functionality.
    • Trial patients have chips surgically placed in the part of the brain that controls the intention to move.
    • Neuralink previously demonstrated that a trial patient could control a computer mouse with their brain and play chess on a computer using only their thoughts.
    • The company is enrolling trial patients who have limited or no ability to use both hands due to cervical spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
    • Before Neuralink’s brain implants hit the broader market, they will need broader regulatory approval.
  • Deception (30%)
    The article does not clearly state that the author has an agenda or is intentionally misleading. However, it does present some information in a way that could be considered deceptive.
    • The request comes five months after Neuralink implanted a brain chip into its first human trial participant, 30-year-old Noland Arbaugh, and just a week after the company admitted that his implant had experienced an unexpected problem.
  • Fallacies (95%)
    The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy when it states 'Neuralink says' and 'the company said' without providing any evidence or reasoning as to why the reader should trust Neuralink's statements. However, since this is not a significant portion of the article and there are no other fallacies present, the score remains high.
    • Neuralink says that the threads connecting the chip to Arbaugh’s brain had retracted, causing performance issues
    • The company says it is enrolling trial patients who have 'limited or no ability to use both hands due to cervical spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)'
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

99%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Neuralink says they’re looking to implant next 2 participants in coming months

ABC NEWS SITE NAMES Name: ABC News Site Names URL: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/us-officially-blames-iran_106834435 ABC News Sunday, 19 May 2024 09:24
  • Unique Points
    • Neuralink is planning to implant two new study participants in the coming months.
    • , Neuralink co-founder DJ Seo announced that they are looking to implant participant number two and participant number three in the coming months.
    • Neuralink was co-founded by Elon Musk in 2016 and is one of several companies testing brain-computer interfaces in volunteers with paralysis.
    • These devices can decode brain signals, allowing people who cannot use their arms to control computers, tablets, and phones using their thoughts.
    • Neuralink also plans to test a robotic arm that could be controlled by thought and used for tasks like controlling a smart home or operating a prosthetic arm.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (95%)
    The article contains an appeal to authority when Neuralink co-founder DJ Seo states 'We're looking to implant our participant number two and participant number three in the coming months.' This statement is an appeal to authority because it relies on the credibility of Neuralink as a company and its co-founder's word that they will be implanting new participants. No other evidence or information is provided in the article to support this claim.
    • We’re looking to implant our participant number two and participant number three in the coming months.
    • But for people with paralysis, having access to a device that can translate brain signals into the ability to move a computer cursor or control a robotic arm can be life-changing.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication