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Video tells video with Neuralink Brain Chip non-verbally as a patient

Video tells video with Neuralink Brain Chip non-verbally as a patient

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Brad Smith, a 28-year-old man in whom amyotrophic lateral sclerosis was (as) diagnosed, made history as the first non-verbal ALS patient who uses neuralinks brain chip to only edit and tell a YouTube video via his brain signals. The performance shows the potential of neuralink technology to change the life of individuals that suffer from neurodegenerative diseases.

Smith, who became the third person worldwide, who received the Neuralink implant and the first as a patient, showed his ability to control a computer cursor with an accuracy of 92% using the chip implanted in its motorcortex. The device, approximately the size of five stacked quarters and over 1,000 electrodes, interprets the neural activity associated with intended movements.

Initially, Smith tried to control the cursor by introducing himself to moving his hand. However, he discovered a greater effectiveness than he thinks about moving his tongue or baking his jaw together. “I realized that this was imagined to move my tongue, it made it possible for me to check the cursor more closely, and my jaw's bale helped me to be practically clicking with the mouse,” he explained.

Before Smith received the neuralink implant, he was limited to communicating via an eye tracking device that only worked exactly in dark environments and offered limited skills. The implant revolutionized its ability to interact with technology, and not only enabled him to communicate more effectively, but also activities that he once considered impossible.

In a YouTube video, Smith showed how he uses impulses from his motorcortex to navigate in his MacBook Pro, select processing tools and only create a video with his thoughts. The event marks the first instance of such a complex creative process that is completely controlled by brain activity. The video was further improved by a synthetic voice, which was generated before his illness from Smith's voice records, and enabled him to tell his story in a similar voice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJN0WRKKG34

“This enables me to tell the story in my true voice, even if I can no longer speak,” said Smith and noticed how important it is to regain part of his singing identity.

The effects of the Neuralink implant go beyond communication. Smith is now able to enjoy outdoor activities and even played Mario Kart with his children to overcome the restrictions on the previous technology. The film material shows how he deals with his family, which reflects the versatility of the interface when restoring the estimated social interactions.

“I hope this is a player for you and your family,” said Elon Musk, the founder of Neuralink, during a video call recorded by journalist Ashlee Vance.

Smith's journey shows the potential of BCI technology (Brain-Computer Interface) in neurosciences and beneficiaries. By recognizing patterns of specific neuronal activation, if the patient thinks about moving part of your body, the neuralink device translates these signals into commands for a computer and enables paralyzed individuals to go beyond their reach.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or as if it is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that destroys motor neurons that are responsible for the control of voluntary movements. Over time, patients lose the ability to speak, eat, move and finally breathe independently. The ability to communicate via a neural interface offers a new opportunity for patients and opens up new horizons to improve their quality of life.

Smith's case contributes to that of Noland Arbaugh, a Temraplegic who was the first human patient to receive the neuralink implant. Arbaugh has reported improvements in its independence and quality of life and found that the implant helped him to regain control and establish new social connections.

Smith thought about his experience: “It took years, but we finally came here. Sometimes I still sit and cry. It is so beautiful that these efforts have a greater purpose than I have.” He added: “I am very happy to serve others with this work in the future.”

Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk in 2016, developed the implantable interface for brain computers with the aim of enabling paralyzed people, controlling computers and other devices by their thoughts. The technology records the activity of neurons that control movements and convert these signals into digital commands.

The article was written with the support of a news analysis system.



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