Neuralink brain chip implanted in UK patient described as 'magical'

A British student paralysed after an accident received a Neuralink brain implant at University College London Hospital as part of a national trial and can now operate a computer screen using thought.

A British student who was paralysed after a diving accident has received a Neuralink brain implant as part of a national clinical trial in the UK. The report says the implant lets him operate a computer screen using only his thoughts. The procedure took place at University College London Hospital with clinical teams and company engineers involved. The trial is intended to assess the device's safety and functionality. Key facts: - The patient was one of seven volunteers in the UK trial and is among the first people to receive the device in the country. - The implant transmits brain signals wirelessly to a computer, where software interprets them to translate intended movements into digital commands. - Twenty-one people worldwide have now received the device; trial results have not yet been published in peer‑reviewed journals, and Neuralink says larger studies are needed before the device could be licensed for general medical use. Summary: The trial lead at UCLH described the development as "very big" and noted the patient's level of control. The patient reports being able to surf the internet and play chess using thought and hopes to resume studies when able to use a keyboard. Trial findings remain unpublished and the company indicates further large-scale trials are required before general licensing.