Elon Musk, the forward-thinking entrepreneur responsible for companies like Tesla and SpaceX, has newly marked a significant achievement with his neurotechnology company, Neuralink.
In a recent statement, Musk disclosed the successful implementation of Neuralink’s first wireless brain chip in a human subject. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about Neuralink updates and how they work. Stay tuned.
Elon Musk’s Announcement on X
In the latest Neuralink news on Sunday, Musk revealed through the X (former Twitter), “The first human received an implant from Neuralink yesterday and is recovering well. Initial results show promising neuron spike detection.” Musk provided no further specifics regarding the procedure, the patient involved, or the implanted device.
Neuralink FDA Approval
musk’s company obtained approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to commence its first human trial in 2023. Subsequently, the company issued a call for volunteers willing to undergo the Neuralink brain implant trial for the implantation of its chips.
About Neuralink
Elon Musk founded Neuralink in San Francisco back in 2016. The company’s primary goal is to create a connection between the human brain and computers, aiming to address neurological conditions.
Neuralink's 'Telepathy'
Musk noted before that the first Neuralink product is called Telepathy, a revolutionary product aimed at enabling individuals to effortlessly control external devices through mere thoughts, so it seems the Neuralink brain implant on humans is a step towards “Telepathy.”
In Musk’s words, “This device enables control of your phone or computer, and through them almost any device, just by thinking.” The initial focus will be on individuals who have lost the use of their limbs, a product for those with disabilities that enables them to communicate more efficiently than ever.
Musk’s vision is shown in his statement: “Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer. That is the goal.”
Neuralink's Animal Testing
While the neurotechnology company is undeniably pushing the boundaries of human capability and unlocking new possibilities, there have been concerns regarding the company’s practices in animal testing.
In 2022, reports revealed that the company’s testing led to the unfortunate deaths of around 1,500 animals, including sheep, monkeys, and pigs.
These concerns question the company’s responsibility for experiments that involve animal lives. However, it is noteworthy that, as of July 2023, the head of the US Department of Agriculture, responsible for overseeing animal welfare matters, stated that no violations of animal research rules were found at Neuralink.
frequently asked questions
The cost for each implant surgery, covering exams, parts, and labour, will be around $10,500.
The FDA expressed concerns about the possibility of the device overheating, which could potentially harm tissues.
Final Thoughts
Neuralink’s technology represents a shift in the way humans interact with machines by putting the first wireless brain chip into a person. The idea of ‘Telepathy’, where we can control things with our thoughts, especially for individuals with neurological disorders and disabilities, is exciting.
Musk’s drive for innovation and Neuralink’s potential to change how our brains and computers connect make this a promising yet complex development in the future of neurotechnology.
