Noland Arbaugh is a man from Arizona, USA. In 2016, he had an accident while diving. He became paralyzed. He could not move his body below his shoulders.
In January 2024, something amazing happened. Noland got a chip in his brain. The chip was made by a company called Neuralink. Neuralink was started by Elon Musk.
The chip helps Noland control a computer with his mind. He can move a cursor on the screen just by thinking.
No Control Before
Before the chip, life was very hard for Noland. He could not move, play games, or do many things.
“You have no control. You need help for everything,” he said.
The chip gives Noland some independence. Now he can use a computer with his brain. He can even play games like chess again!
How the Chip Works
The chip is called a BCI (Brain-Computer Interface). It listens to small signals in the brain. These signals happen when a person thinks about moving. The chip turns the signals into digital commands, like moving a mouse on the screen.
Elon Musk’s Role
Because Elon Musk started Neuralink, many people are interested. The news talked about Noland’s chip a lot.
When the chip worked, experts said it was a “big step.” But they also said it needs more time and tests.
Noland says the science is more important than Elon Musk. He wants to help others by trying new technology.
Amazing Results
After the surgery, Noland could move the cursor just by thinking. He said it felt like science fiction!
Now he can play games again. “I play with my friends. It’s amazing,” he said.
What About Privacy?
Some scientists are worried. One professor said if people can read brain signals, we may lose privacy. “If someone knows what you think, there is no privacy,” he said.
Future Hopes
Noland wants to do more. He hopes the chip can help him use a wheelchair or even a robot in the future.
But there are still problems. Once, the chip stopped working. He lost control of the computer. He was very upset.
Later, the engineers fixed the problem. Now the chip works again.
Other Companies
Other companies also make brain chips. One company called Synchron puts the chip in the neck vein. It sends signals to the brain too.
A man named Mark uses a chip to explore places in the world using VR (Virtual Reality). He feels like he is walking in Australia or mountains, even if he is not moving.
Conclusion
Noland joined a long study. He is helping science. We don’t know the future, but Noland’s story is amazing. He shows us what is possible with new technology.
“We know little about the brain,” Noland said. “But now, we are learning more.”
Source: bbc.com
Vocabulary for the Article
Technology
Things like phones and computers that help people.
Example: We use technology every day.
Chip
A small piece of technology that goes inside a machine or brain.
Example: Noland has a chip in his brain.
Brain
The part inside your head that thinks and controls the body.
Example: The chip is in his brain.
Computer
A machine you use to write, play, or go online.
Example: He uses a computer with his brain.
Control
To make something do what you want.
Example: He controls the computer with his mind.
Screen
The flat part of a phone or computer you look at.
Example: He moves the cursor on the screen.
Paralyzed
When you cannot move part of your body.
Example: He is paralyzed from the shoulders down.
Surgery
A medical operation to fix a part of the body.
Example: He had surgery to put in the chip.
Cursor
The little arrow on the screen that moves.
Example: He moves the cursor by thinking.
Mind
Your thoughts and ideas inside your brain.
Example: He uses his mind to play games.
Game
Something fun you play on the computer or with friends.
Example: He plays chess games.
Company
A business that makes or sells things.
Example: Neuralink is a company.
Device
A small machine or tool.
Example: The chip is a new device.
Signal
A message sent from one part to another.
Example: The brain sends signals to the chip.
Move
To change place or position.
Example: He can move the cursor.
Robot
A machine that can do jobs like a person.
Example: He wants to control a robot one day.
Learn
To get knowledge or skills.
Example: Scientists want to learn more about the brain.
Professor
A teacher at a university.
Example: A professor talked about the brain chip.
Privacy
When your personal life is not seen by others.
Example: He says there is no privacy if people read your thoughts.
Future
The time that comes after now.
Example: The chip may help more people in the future.
