Neuralink allows paralyzed woman to control computer with thoughts

A woman paralyzed for two decades showcases the potential of Neuralink's brain implant.

Groundbreaking advancements from Neuralink alter life for paralyzed individuals

A woman paralyzed for twenty years has regained control of a computer using a Neuralink brain implant, a first for the technology. Audrey Crews, who cannot move her arms or legs, shared her experience on social media, writing her name and drawing for the first time since her accident in 2005. The device, implanted in her motor cortex, allows her to use a computer with her thoughts. The procedure involved placing delicate threads into her brain, which translate neural impulses into actions on a screen. Despite not regaining movement in her limbs, Crews feels empowered and hopeful about sharing her journey through writing and drawing. Elon Musk, co-founder of Neuralink, expressed that while this level of tech is groundbreaking, it does not yet enable broader applications like walking.

Neuralink’s progress represents a seismic shift in neurotechnology, with implications far beyond individual autonomy for paralyzed patients. As the first woman to use this technology, Crews's experience may inspire a new wave of interest and investment in brain-computer interfaces. While the current capabilities are limited, the potential health benefits and the prospect of enhancing human abilities open up discussions on ethics and accessibility. The more people hear stories like Crews's, the greater the urgency may become for society to consider how such technologies should be developed and regulated in the future.

Highlights

As technological boundaries continue to expand, possibilities for individuals with disabilities are becoming more hopeful.