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In a landmark move for neuroscience and assistive technology, Neuralink has successfully implanted its brain-device in a UK patient. The surgery was done at University College London Hospitals (UCLH) as part of the UK-based trial known as the GB‑PRIME Study. The recipient, a patient named Paul who lives with motor neuron disease, is now the first in the UK to receive the company’s “N1” implant.
Early results are promising. Just hours after the procedure earlier this month, Paul was able to control a computer cursor by thought alone, showing that the implant works almost immediately. Neuralink now plans to work with Paul to expand the system so that it can be used for playing video games and performing everyday tasks. The UK trial builds on successful earlier trials in the United States where the device was implanted without major adverse events.
What happened
Paul, who is paralysed by motor neuron disease, underwent surgery to receive the N1 implant. This is a wireless, fully implanted brain-computer interface (BCI) device developed by Neuralink. It is designed to allow people with severe neurological disease or paralysis to control digital devices through thought alone. The UK trial is being led at UCLH under the GB-PRIME study.
Shortly after the implant was activated, Paul was able to move a computer cursor using his thoughts. This functionality so early after the operation suggests that the device is functioning as intended, at least in its initial state. Neuralink says Paul will now continue to work with researchers to extend the use of the system — for example, to play video games and assist with daily living tasks.
Why this matters
For individuals living with motor neuron disease (also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS) or other severe paralysis, the options for restoring movement or control are very limited. A device that lets the brain bypass damaged or non-functioning nerves and connect directly to digital systems offers a huge potential leap in independence and quality of life.
The N1 device used by Neuralink has previously been tested in the US, part of the PRIME trial, and those earlier trials reported no major adverse events. The UK launch of GB-PRIME marks one of the first major European steps for this technology. According to a UCLH press release, the device uses “over 1,000 electrodes distributed across ultra-thin threads, each finer than a human hair, and precisely placed using Neuralink’s R1 surgical robot.”
The UK trial: GB-PRIME
The GB-PRIME study is a feasibility trial in Great Britain, involving up to seven participants who have serious neurological conditions such as spinal cord injury or motor neuron disease, and whose ability to control a computer, smartphone or tablet is significantly impaired.
The study has regulatory approval from the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the Health Research Authority (HRA), and Health and Care Research Wales (HCRW).
At UCLH, the lead site, the device is being implanted at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery at Queen Square, with research sessions scheduled over the next months and years.
What the technology involves
The N1 implant is roughly the size of a small coin. Beneath the skull it connects via dozens of extremely thin threads into the brain’s motor-intention areas (areas that generate the intention to move). These threads pick up neural signals which are decoded into commands for computers or other devices.
The system includes:
- The implant itself, under the skull.
- The R1 surgical robot, developed by Neuralink, which places the threads into the brain.
- Software that interprets neural activity into usable signals for a computer cursor or other device.
In previous US trials, participants with paralysis due to spinal cord injury or ALS used earlier versions of the system to control phones, computers or robotic arms.
What comes next
With Paul now implanted and having demonstrated control of a computer cursor so soon after surgery, Neuralink and the research team intend to develop his use of the system in two key directions:
- Video games and digital tasks — enabling Paul to interact with more complex interfaces, perhaps gaming, typing, browsing or other leisure uses.
- Everyday tasks and independence — expanding from a cursor control to allowing more autonomy: controlling a tablet, smartphone, smart home devices, perhaps communication tools, bringing back a level of independence.
Because this is a feasibility study, safety remains the first priority. The team will monitor Paul closely for any adverse effects, changes in brain tissue responses, device stability, signal quality, and long-term functionality.
Caution & importance
While this breakthrough is exciting, it comes with important caveats. First, this is still early stage: a small number of participants, with intensive monitoring, not yet broad availability or full regulatory approval. The long-term durability of the implant, the consistency of neural signal capture, potential risks (infection, brain shift, thread dislodgement) all remain to be seen.
In earlier trials in the US, for example, there were challenges with threads losing connection or brain movement affecting signal quality.
Moreover, for Paul and others, there will be a significant ongoing commitment: frequent research sessions, perhaps travel, adaptation to the software/hardware, training the system to their brain signals. The benefits may grow over time but the improvements may also be incremental.
Nevertheless, for many living with motor neuron disease or paralysis, this kind of technology offers new hope where previously very little existed. The ability to control devices with thoughts could change the nature of their day-to-day life — reducing dependence, increasing ability to communicate, interact and engage with digital life.
In summary
On October 27 2025, Neuralink announced the successful implantation of its N1 brain device in Paul, a UK patient living with motor neuron disease, at UCLH as part of the GB-PRIME study. The early result — Paul controlling a computer cursor by thought only — is a powerful demonstration of the technology’s potential. While many challenges remain, the trial marks a significant step in bringing brain-computer interface technology from the lab toward real-world application. Over the coming months and years, the work with Paul — expanding the device’s uses to video games and daily tasks — will help show how far this promising technology can go.
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