In an unprecedented medical breakthrough, Audrey Crews, a Louisiana resident who has been paralyzed from the neck down since 2005, has successfully regained the ability to interact with a computer using only her thoughts. The remarkable feat was made possible through the innovative brain-computer interface (BCI) technology developed by Neuralink, a company co-founded by visionary entrepreneur Elon Musk.
Crews, who suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury in a car accident at the age of 16, has lived as a quadriplegic for almost two decades. Her life took a turn this month when she underwent a surgical procedure at the University of Miami Health Center to receive Neuralink's N1 implant. The device, about the size of a coin, was carefully inserted into her brain's motor cortex by drilling a small hole in her skull.
The N1 implant consists of 128 ultra-thin threads, each containing over a thousand electrodes that detect the electrical signals produced by neurons when a person contemplates movement. These signals are translated by Neuralink's sophisticated software into specific computer actions. Crews' progress has been nothing short of inspiring, as she shared on social media a video of her writing her name for the first time in nearly two decades, using a virtual pen on a computer screen.
The device communicates wirelessly with computers or smartphones and is powered by a battery that charges without wires, using Bluetooth technology to transmit brain signals to the connected devices. Since receiving the implant, Crews has demonstrated the ability to perform various digital tasks such as using a digital mouse, typing, drawing, and scrolling—all by mere thought.
Crews' achievements represent a significant step forward in the field of BCI technology. She is the ninth person to receive the implant, joining others with conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or severe spinal cord injuries. The ongoing clinical trials aim to assess the long-term safety and reliability of the device in restoring digital communication abilities to those with paralysis.
Elon Musk, CEO of Neuralink, Tesla, and SpaceX, has been a vocal advocate for the potential of BCIs to merge human intelligence with artificial intelligence and restore lost neurological functions. His reaction to Crews' milestones emphasized the groundbreaking nature of the technology: "She is controlling her computer just by thinking. Most people don’t realize this is possible."
While the N1 implant does not restore physical movement or reverse paralysis, it has opened a door for Crews to pursue new goals, such as writing a book about her experiences. The technology is currently limited to decoding motor-related brain activity and does not interpret general thoughts or emotions.
Neuralink's journey has not been without challenges. Earlier this year, the company's first patient, Noland Arbaugh, experienced complications when the threads in his implant retracted. Engineers quickly addressed the issue, allowing Arbaugh to regain control. These early trials underscore the transformative potential of BCI technology to offer newfound independence to individuals with debilitating conditions.
As Neuralink continues to refine its technology and explore future applications, including restoring vision and treating mental health disorders, the primary focus remains on enabling basic digital control for people living with paralysis. The company emphasizes that further improvements and broader testing are essential before considering the implant for widespread use.
