First patient with ALS gets Neuralink brain implant
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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — Everything Else
Lilith — 11 months ago(April 28, 2025 09:40 PM)
The first patient with ALS to receive a Neuralink brain transplant has demonstrated his new ability to communicate with only his mind.
Bradford Smith, who is the third human to receive the transplant in history, said on X (formerly Twitter) that he was able to "type with my brain" after being rendered largely immobile and nonverbal by the motor neuron disease.
Neuralink commenced human trials in January 2024 after receiving clearance to do so from the Food and Drug Administration in May 2023.
In the video, which Smith narrated using an AI-cloned version of his voice, he said: "I have ALS, a really weird disease that kills the motor neurons that control my muscles but not affecting my mind. My experience has been pretty interesting, starting with a shoulder injury that would not heal and ending up with my current status."
Smith, who said he could move only his eyes and required a ventilator to breathe, added, "Neuralink has given me freedom, hope and faster communication."
Brad Smith wrote on X on Monday: "I am the 3rd person in the world to receive the Neuralink brain implant. 1st with ALS. 1st Nonverbal. I am typing this with my brain. It is my primary communication. Ask me anything!"
Neuralink said in a news release issued on February 5: "In just the past couple of weeks, the Link has enabled Brad to watch his son win a regional robotics competition, chat with neighbors at the park, and give a talk with a live Q&A session to the youth at his local church.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/first-neuralink-patient-with-als-can-now-use-ai-to-have-conversations/ar-AA1DLES4?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=665a721ff229460eab7902da5003888d&ei=39
This looks simultaneously promising and yet frightening.
"Your emotional state is not my responsibility." – Warren Smith