Neuralink implant recipient shares progress, future plans
Neuralink is designed to help paralysed individuals, allowing control of computers through thought
Noland Arbaugh, the first recipient of a Neuralink brain implant, has provided an update on his experiences with the pioneering technology. Seven months following his surgery, Arbaugh—who has affectionately named his implant "Eve"—shared insights into his journey and ongoing efforts in a recent post on X.
In 2016, Arbaugh, then a student and athlete at Texas, experienced a life-changing accident that left him paralyzed from the shoulders down. At the time, he was working as a summer camp counselor. Since the accident, Arbaugh has been adjusting to life with full paralysis below his shoulders.
Neuralink, a company focused on developing brain-computer interface technology, received approval last year from US regulators to begin human trials of their brain implants. The primary device used in these trials is called the "Link," which is approximately the size of five stacked coins and implanted into the brain through a surgical procedure.
At Neuralink's facilities, Arbaugh engages in various projects using his implant for about four hours each day. He works on tasks involving body motions to control computer functions such as typing and clicking. Additionally, he practices handwriting by imagining holding a pencil to input characters on a screen. Arbaugh's efforts are aimed at reaching new milestones and improving the overall functionality and user experience of the technology.
In his personal time, Arbaugh leverages his Neuralink implant for academic and creative pursuits. He spends approximately three hours daily learning French and Japanese through various online platforms. He is also refreshing his knowledge of basic math concepts via Peterson Academy in preparation for a potential return to formal education. Arbaugh is an avid reader, exploring works by authors including Victor Hugo, J.R.R. Tolkien, Brandon Sanderson, and Stieg Larsson, and has resumed creative writing with hopes of future publication.
Moreover, Arbaugh uses his implant for Bible study and personal devotion. He is contemplating a return to school with a focus on neuroscience, and aspires to establish a charity, secure employment, and build a home for his parents in the future.
Neuralink's mission is to enhance human capabilities and provide solutions for neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and ALS. The company's vision is to enable seamless interaction between humans and artificial intelligence, allowing control of computers and other devices through thought alone.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Ex-CJI Chandrachud removed fear of law from political defectors, claims Sanjay Raut
Mumbai (PTI): Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday slammed former Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, alleging that he had removed the fear of the law from politicians who defected from parties in Maharashtra.
Raut claimed that by not deciding on the disqualification petitions, Chandrachud kept doors and windows open for defections.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader's statement comes after his party faced a severe drubbing in the state assembly elections, as it managed to clinch only 20 out of 95 seats it contested as part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).
The performance of the party's alliance partners was no better, with the Congress winning only 16 out of 101 seats and NCP (SP) getting only 10 out of 86 seats it contested.
Talking to reporters, Raut alleged, "He (Chandrachud) has removed the fear of the law from defectors. His name will be written in black letters in history."
Following the split in the undivided Shiv Sena in 2022, the party's faction headed by Uddhav Thackeray filed petitions in the Supreme Court on the disqualification of party MLAs who defected along with Eknath Shinde. The apex court put the onus on the assembly Speaker to decide on the disqualification petitions, which he did earlier this year, declaring the Sena bloc led by Shinde as the “real political party”.
Raut alleged that the results of the assembly election were pre-decided. If the then CJI had decided on the disqualification petitions on time, the outcome would have been different.
"We are sad but not disappointed. We will not leave the fight incomplete. Division of votes was also a factor, and the RSS played an important role in the election. The poisonous campaign impacted us negatively," he said.
He said the swearing-in ceremony for the new government should be held in neighbouring Gujarat.
Meanwhile, in his weekly column "Rokhthok" in the party mouthpiece "Saamana", the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader claimed that it was time to offer condolences to the Election Commission, which turned a blind eye to the use of money power.
"The courts have been in the ICU for a long time," he alleged.
