Elon Musk: Neuralink Implants a Wireless Brain Chip in Humans
Tech magnate Elon Musk has taken to X, previously known as Twitter, to declare a major milestone for his neurotechnology venture, Neuralink. Musk asserted that Neuralink had successfully implanted one of its wireless brain chips in a human, citing "promising" brain activity post-procedure, with the patient reportedly "recovering well."
Neuralink's overarching objective is to establish a connection between human brains and computers, aiming to address complex neurological conditions. Musk's announcement places Neuralink among a select group of companies that have ventured into human brain chip implants.
While the claims made by Musk have not been independently verified, the news has sparked interest and cautious optimism within the scientific community. Professor Anne Vanhoestenberghe of King's College London noted that for medical device companies, the first human test is a significant milestone. However, she urged caution, emphasizing that true success can only be evaluated over the long term.
Neuralink's foray into human testing received FDA approval in May 2023, allowing a six-year study involving the use of a robot to surgically place 64 flexible threads, thinner than human hair, in a region of the brain associated with "movement intention." The experimental implant, powered by a wirelessly chargeable battery, aims to record and transmit brain signals wirelessly.
The company has faced scrutiny in the past, particularly regarding animal testing, with reports of approximately 1,500 animals, including sheep, monkeys, and pigs, being used in experiments. While Neuralink was given approval to test the brain chip on humans, ongoing investigations by regulatory bodies continue.
In a separate post, Musk unveiled Neuralink's first product, named "Telepathy," which is intended to enable control of devices such as phones and computers through thought. Musk highlighted its potential to assist individuals who have lost the use of their limbs, envisioning a future where people like Stephen Hawking could communicate rapidly through thought.
While Musk's Neuralink has gained attention, it faces competition from established players with decades-long experience in brain-computer interfaces. The field continues to advance, with potential applications ranging from assisting those with paralysis to decoding brain activity for enhanced communication.
As Neuralink's developments unfold, the technology landscape eagerly anticipates the potential impact of brain-machine interfaces on medical advancements and daily life.
