The Download: the first brain implant power user and South Korea’s AI obsession

Casey Harrell, a patient with ALS, has become the first person to effectively use a brain-computer interface to communicate naturally by decoding neural signals into speech. This development marks a significant advancement for neurotechnology, as it demonstrates that implants can translate complex motor intentions into clear, real-time verbal output for individuals with severe paralysis. Concurrently, South Korea is accelerating its national investment in artificial intelligence, aiming to solidify its position as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing and AI software development.