Noland Arbaugh, a 30-year-old quadriplegic, shares his incredible journey after becoming the first Neuralink patient to control computers with his mind. He reveals the transformative impact of the brain implant, detailing his life before the injury and the emotional journey he undertook to participate in the trials. The conversation dives into the surgery process, the thrill of activating the device, and even a light-hearted prank he pulled post-surgery. Ethical considerations of merging AI with human cognition are also explored, highlighting both potential and risks.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Noland's Accident
Noland Arbaugh, at 22, dislocated his C4-C5 vertebrae while at a lake with friends.
This resulted in quadriplegia, losing all sensation and movement below his shoulders.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Applying to Neuralink
Noland's friend, Greg Bain, suggested he apply for Neuralink's human trials.
Initially skeptical, Noland applied, joking about wanting an "Ironman suit."
question_answer ANECDOTE
Neuralink Interviews
The Neuralink interview process was rigorous, including medical evaluations, psychological tests, and consent forms.
Noland remained level-headed, while his friend, Bane, was very excited.
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A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI
Yuval Noah Harari
In 'Nexus', Yuval Noah Harari delves into the long-term history of information networks, examining how the flow of information has made and unmade our world. The book takes readers from the Stone Age through significant historical events like the canonization of the Bible, early modern witch-hunts, Stalinism, Nazism, and the resurgence of populism today. Harari discusses the complex relationship between information, truth, bureaucracy, mythology, wisdom, and power, and addresses the urgent choices humanity faces as non-human intelligence threatens our existence. He argues that information networks are the primary driving force shaping human societies and that AI represents a new and critical phase in this history[2][3][5].
Noland Arbaugh is a 30 year old quadriplegic who can control computers with nothing but his mind. Earlier this year, he allowed Elon Musk’s Neuralink to drill a hole in his skull, insert more than one thousand electrodes into his motor cortex, and translate his brain signals into cursor movement and clicks. In this week's Big Technology Podcast, Alex Kantrowitz interviews Arbaugh at his Yuma, Arizona home in a conversation that covers his injury, the Neuralink selection process, the surgery, the training, the freedom the device gives Arbaugh, and the big questions like whether he'd ever merge with AI. Tune in for a fascinating conversation about a modern day technological miracle.
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