Brain implants have begun to restore function, but progress is slow

But the restoration of full-body motion, as Elon Musk envisions with such devices, is contemplated far in the future, if at all .

By Christina Jewett and Cade Metz
< p class="css-at9mc1 evys1bk0">A hodgepodge of cords and two devices the size of soda cans protrude from Austin Beggin's head as he undergoes tests with a team of researchers studying brain implants intended to restore function to those who are paralyzed.
"It's like the first time I ever had the opportunity or ever had the privilege and chance to think, 'When I want to open my hand, I open it,' said Mr Beggin, 30. days like this are always "a special day".
The work at the Cleveland Functional Electrical Stimulation Center represents some of the most advanced research on the brain interface -computer domain, with the team connecting the brain to the arm to restore movement.
This is an area that Elon Musk wants to advance, announcing in a presentation recent news that brain implants from his Neuralink company would one day help restore sight to the blind or bring people like Mr Beggin back to "everybody's functionality". rps". Mr. Musk also said the Neuralink device could allow anyone to use phones and other machines with new levels of speed and efficiency.
Neuroscientists and Mr. Beggin see such giant advances decades from now, however. Scientists who have permission to test such devices in humans are poised to restore normal function in typing, speech and limited movement. The researchers warn that the objective is much more difficult and more dangerous than it seems. And they warn that Mr. Musk's goals may never be possible - if it's worth it in the first place.
ImageA biomedical engineer working with Mr. Beggin connected the implant that is attached to the cortex of his brain and skull to the equipment for a series of tests.Credit...Daniel Lozada for The New York Times
ImageElon Musk, co-founder of Neuralink, during an online presentation of the device company on November 30.Credit...Neuralink

Health Dec 13, 2022 0 33 Add to Reading List

Brain implants have begun to restore function, but progress is slow

But the restoration of full-body motion, as Elon Musk envisions with such devices, is contemplated far in the future, if at all .

By Christina Jewett and Cade Metz

< p class="css-at9mc1 evys1bk0">A hodgepodge of cords and two devices the size of soda cans protrude from Austin Beggin's head as he undergoes tests with a team of researchers studying brain implants intended to restore function to those who are paralyzed.

"It's like the first time I ever had the opportunity or ever had the privilege and chance to think, 'When I want to open my hand, I open it,' said Mr Beggin, 30. days like this are always "a special day".

The work at the Cleveland Functional Electrical Stimulation Center represents some of the most advanced research on the brain interface -computer domain, with the team connecting the brain to the arm to restore movement.

This is an area that Elon Musk wants to advance, announcing in a presentation recent news that brain implants from his Neuralink company would one day help restore sight to the blind or bring people like Mr Beggin back to "everybody's functionality". rps". Mr. Musk also said the Neuralink device could allow anyone to use phones and other machines with new levels of speed and efficiency.

Neuroscientists and Mr. Beggin see such giant advances decades from now, however. Scientists who have permission to test such devices in humans are poised to restore normal function in typing, speech and limited movement. The researchers warn that the objective is much more difficult and more dangerous than it seems. And they warn that Mr. Musk's goals may never be possible - if it's worth it in the first place.

ImageA biomedical engineer working with Mr. Beggin connected the implant that is attached to the cortex of his brain and skull to the equipment for a series of tests.Credit...Daniel Lozada for The New York Times

ImageElon Musk, co-founder of Neuralink, during an online presentation of the device company on November 30.Credit...Neuralink