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.
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CM Siddaramaiah alleges ‘criminal conspiracy’ in Sringeri recount, vows legal action
Bengaluru (PTI): Alleging a “criminal conspiracy” by BJP candidate D N Jeevaraj in the Sringeri Assembly poll recounting, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said the outcome was manipulated after valid postal ballot votes in favour of Congress leader T D Raje Gowda were tampered with during the recounting process.
Following a Karnataka High Court order on an election petition filed by Jeevaraj, challenging Raje Gowda’s election, the reverification and recounting were conducted on Saturday.
After the reverification and recount of postal ballots for the Sringeri Assembly constituency, votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda were reduced by 255, the returning officer said.
A report on the matter has been submitted to the Election Commission of India for further action, the officer added.
Congress leader Raje Gowda had won the 2023 Assembly polls from Sringeri by 201 votes, defeating his nearest rival Jeevaraj.
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said the High Court had directed the recounting of postal ballots and that irregularities were noticed during the exercise conducted on May 2.
“This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” Siddaramaiah said, alleging that valid votes cast in favour of Raje Gowda were altered after being accepted by counting agents of all parties, including Congress, BJP, and JD(S).
He claimed that during the recounting of postal ballots, 255 votes were initially accepted as valid by all agents but were later tampered with by subordinate officials.
“There is a second mark on the votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda. They had accepted these as valid votes. Subsequently, another mark was made by officials. This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” he said.
When asked who was behind the alleged conspiracy, the CM replied, “It was hatched by Jeevaraj and others. It is planned.”
Siddaramaiah further alleged that the returning officer acted improperly by declaring the result despite the presence of an Election Commission observer during the recounting.
“Immediately after the counting, the returning officer announced the result. He should not have done so; this is against the law,” he said.
He pointed out that Raje Gowda had originally won by 201 votes, but after the recounting, the BJP candidate was declared the winner by 52 votes.
“The BJP has committed a criminal act of conspiracy. This is not vote chori but vote dacoity,” he alleged.
The CM said a police complaint had already been filed by Raje Gowda’s election agent, Sudhir Kumar, and emphasised the need for electoral integrity.
“We want transparency and free and fair elections. That is what our Constitution mandates,” he added.
Stating that the government would pursue legal remedies, Siddaramaiah said, “We are preparing an appeal challenging the returning officer’s announcement in a court of law.”
Responding to a separate query on elections in other states, the CM said there appeared to be an anti-incumbency factor in West Bengal, while results in Tamil Nadu were “surprising,” adding that Vijay’s party was emerging as the largest there.
Following the victory of party candidates in Bagalkote and Davanagere South, Siddaramaiah expressed confidence about future electoral prospects in Karnataka.
“Even in 2028, we will win the Assembly elections. We will come back,” the CM said.
Siddaramaiah added that he would order a forensic examination into the alleged tampering of postal ballots.
