Caltech Breakthrough Puts Neuralink's Brain Chip Ambitions to the Test

BREAKING NEWS Neuralink's Brain Chip Rivalry Heats Up as Caltech Lab Achieves Breakthrough with J. Galen Buckwalter In a groundbreaking development, researchers at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) have successfully implanted a brain computer interface (BCI) in 69-year-old J. Galen Buckwalter, allowing him to control a virtual hand with his mind. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the field of neural interfaces and raises questions about the future of human-computer interaction. Timeline: The Caltech lab, led by renowned neuroscientist Richard Andersen, began working on the BCI project several years ago. Buckwalter, who broke his neck as a teenager, was implanted with the device in 2022. After just two sessions, he mastered control of a computer cursor and eventually moved three virtual fingers. Immediate Impact: The Caltech breakthrough has sparked excitement among neuroscientists and tech enthusiasts alike. Buckwalter's ability to feel sensations in his virtual hand is a testament to the potential of neural interfaces. "It was like my hand was coming back," he said in an interview. The implications are profound, with potential applications in prosthetics, gaming, and even brain-controlled robots. Background: Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk, has been working on similar BCI technology for several years. Their goal is to integrate chips directly into the human brain, enabling seamless communication between humans and machines. The Caltech lab's achievement raises questions about the rivalry between Neuralink and other research teams vying for a spot in the burgeoning field of neural interfaces. What Happens Next: As researchers continue to refine their technology, we can expect to see more breakthroughs in the coming months. With Buckwalter's success serving as a proof-of-concept, the Caltech lab is poised to push the boundaries of what is possible with neural interfaces. The future of human-computer interaction has never looked brighter – or more complex. Sources: J. Galen Buckwalter (participant) Richard Andersen (lead researcher, Caltech) California Institute of Technology (Caltech) *This story is developing. Information compiled from Rollingstone reporting.*