Affectionately naming his brain implant "Eve," Noland Arbaugh has embraced the device's potential for personal growth and education. Beyond language acquisition, Arbaugh is utilizing the Neuralink technology to relearn mathematics from the ground up, engage in extensive reading, and even explore creative writing12. His daily routine includes approximately an hour of reading, ranging from fantasy authors like Brandon Sanderson to classic works by Tolkien, as well as time dedicated to Bible studies and devotionals2.

Despite initial success, the Neuralink implant faced a significant challenge when several of its ultra-fine threads retracted from Arbaugh's brain weeks after the procedure, causing malfunction1. This setback resulted in a loss of functionality, with approximately 85% of the thread-based electrodes becoming displaced2. However, Neuralink engineers were able to intervene and restore much of the device's capabilities by making adjustments to the algorithm3. This experience has led to improvements in the implantation process, with the company claiming to have addressed the issue for its second human patient by embedding the threads even deeper3.

Dedicating approximately four hours each day, five days a week, Arbaugh collaborates closely with Neuralink staff to conduct experiments aimed at improving the technology12. This partnership not only contributes to his personal progress but also paves the way for advancements that could benefit future patients. The experiments focus on expanding the device's capabilities, including efforts to use different body parts and movements for left, right, and middle click functions3. This collaborative approach demonstrates the iterative nature of neural implant development and highlights the crucial role of patient feedback in refining brain-computer interface technologies.

Looking ahead, Arbaugh has expressed ambitious goals for his future with the Neuralink implant. He hopes to return to university to finish his degree, potentially switching to neuroscience given his unique insights into the field1. Additionally, Arbaugh envisions controlling physical machines such as cars, drones, and robots using just his thoughts, though these applications await FDA approval1. His enthusiasm extends to gaming, where he believes the implant could give him a significant advantage, potentially necessitating separate leagues for players with neural interfaces2.