Paralyzed Patient's Mind-Control Miracle with Elon Musk-Backed Neuralink Chip

A U.S. military veteran who is paralyzed can now play video games, manage electronic devices, and create 3D models solely through his thoughts, made possible by a small chip implanted in his brain, supported by a technology billionaire.Elon Musk.

RJ, a quadriplegic who loss of mobility after a severe motorcycle crash, is the first individual at a Miami hospital to receive the 'Telepathy' device, created by Musk's neural interface company Neuralink.

The significant surgical achievement was accomplished earlier this year at UHealth Tower, the main hospital within the University of Miami Health System. RJ is among only seven individuals across the country who have undergone this procedure.

"I believe my favorite aspect is definitely being able to switch on my TV," RJ mentioned during a video presentation by Neuralink.

Like the first time in two and a half years I could do that. So that was pretty nice.

However, RJ's skills have expanded well beyond the remote control. Due to the chip integrated into the section of his brain responsible for movement, he can now manage a computer using only his thoughts.

This encompasses battling zombies in Call of Duty, racing in Mario Kart, and creating intricate mechanical components in Fusion 360, a professional CAD software.

That's the situation," RJ said. "Very cool. I enjoy shooting zombies. That's somewhat pleasant.

The procedure was carried out by Dr. Jonathan Jagid, a neurosurgeon and clinical professor at the University of Miami, in collaboration with The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis.

The globally recognized institution was established following the tragic injury of Nick Buoniconti's son, Marc, who became paralyzed during a game in 1985.

"This gadget remains entirely undetectable by anyone who comes into contact with someone who has it implanted," Dr. Jagid mentioned during an interview.

What sets it apart is its compact design. It's a tiny gadget - roughly the size of a coin.

The Neuralink-created surgical robot was used to implant the Telepathy chip.

The device inserts over 60 extremely fine threads, narrower than a human hair, into the brain to monitor neural activity.

These neural signals are subsequently sent wirelessly to a computer, where software translates them into actions that can control a mouse, engage in a video game, or manage additional devices.

"The operation was a complete success," Jagid told theMiami Herald. RJ was released the very next day.

For RJ, the Neuralink implant has surpassed merely granting him control over his surroundings and has started to revive his feeling of existence.

"They're restoring my passion... my motivation. They've given me my sense of purpose back," he stated in a written message.

RJ now refers to himself as 'P5' — the fifth individual in the world to have received the chip implant since Neuralink obtained FDA approval for clinical trials in 2024.

The initial patient, Noland Arbaugh, was given his implant at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix.

Musk's group thinks this is only the start.

"An immense amount of progress has been made," Musk stated during Neuralink's update on June 27.

He highlighted the company's careful strategy, stating, "The reason we aren't accelerating more quickly is because we're being very attentive to every person to ensure we never make a mistake - and so far, we haven't."

A co-founder and president of Neuralink, DJ Seo, mentioned that RJ is one of seven participants involved in the study.

Every individual suffers from either a spinal cord injury or ALS, a degenerative neurological condition that impacts nerve cells in the brain and spinal column, resulting in muscle weakness and loss of movement.

Every patient is examining if the Link can enable the brain to connect with technology directly – bypassing muscles, nerves, or even verbal communication.

At Neuralink's summer event, video footage displayed patients, such as RJ, controlling devices with their thoughts.navigate pointers, choose symbols, and engage in gaming.

In a single instant that sparked applause from the crowd, a competitor set a new world record by guiding a cursor at an extraordinary pace using only their thoughts.

These are individuals who can't even move a mouse," Dr. Jagid mentioned. "So you need to realize, in its initial phase, it has been highly effective - enabling them to achieve objectives they couldn't reach otherwise.

However, aside from video games and digital creation, the consequences are significant.

Musk has previously mentioned that Neuralink may eventually assist in restoring sight,empower individuals who have lost their ability to speak, or enableindividuals with amputations to operate artificial limbs using only their thoughts.

RJ is already challenging limits. In a group conversation with other grant recipients, he mentioned adjusting a quad stick—a unique joystick designed for individuals with quadriplegia—and developing software to operate a remote-controlled truck and aircraft.

With the BCI, I developed code to control the plane using the quad stick," he mentioned. "That's incredible.

The president of The Miami Project, Marc Buoniconti, described the trial as "another important advancement in developing effective solutions for the millions who live with paralysis and other major motor impairments."

His personal experience as a quadriplegic, which contributed to the establishment of one of the most renowned spinal injury centers globally, strengthens his commendation.

"We are hopeful that this collaboration will result in transformative discoveries," he stated to The Miami Herald.

Neuralink is still recruiting individuals aged 22 to 75 who are paralyzed as a result of a cervical spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

The organization has also been granted permission to conduct comparable trials in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates.

Although there is enthusiasm, not everyone is prepared to celebrate success.

This is a new area," Dr. Jagid warned. "But that's to be expected with any emerging technology.

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