A Neuralink trial patient has revealed he has “new hope” from the chip after being paralyzed, as he’s back to completing school work.
Advancements in the medical field are always popping up, be it a new miracle drug for weight loss or something that helps people who have lost limbs the ability to use those limbs again.
The Neuralink implant first came onto the scene back in 2024, with the Elon Musk-backed startup taking on a few test patients. The chip, which uses AI software to learn about what the patient wants to do, has shown it can work in a few different fields – including Chess.
21 people have undergone the Neuralink trial to this point, including Sebastian Gomez-Pena, who is part of the first set of UK trialists.
Neuralink trial in UK gives “new hope”
As per Sky News, Gomez-Pena was paralyzed from the neck down following an accident, and has been able to use Neuralink to complete work whilst in medical school.
“This kind of technology kind of gives you a new piece of hope,” he told Sky News. “Everyone in my position tries to move some bit of their body to see if there is any form of recovery, but now, when I think about moving my hand, it’s cool to see that… something actually happens.
“You just think it, and it does it.”
Gomez-Pen played rugby before his accident.
As noted, Gomez-Pena isn’t the only successful trialist to this point. Back in late 2024, a patient known as Alex had the chip implanted and was able to play Counter-Strike again.
“I’m already super impressed with how this works,” he said. Noland Arbaugh, who was the first person to receive the chip, has been able to play Chess and post on social media, just by using his thoughts.
“Twitter banned me because they thought I was a bot, X and Elon Musk reinstated me because I am,” Arbaugh posted.
