Elon Musk announced that his company Neuralink has successfully implanted the first brain chip in a human patient.
Connecting Brain to Electronic Devices
In a post on X, Musk explained that the implant facilitates a connection between the brain and any electronic device. The technology is envisioned to be particularly helpful for physically disabled individuals, enabling them to control phones, computers, and various devices through mental commands. The initial focus is on individuals who have lost the use of their limbs, with the long-term goal of enhancing communication speed for those like Stephen Hawking.
Ultra-Fine Threads Transmitting Brain Signals
The implants, constructed with “ultra-fine” threads, can transmit signals from the brain and translate them into commands for electronic devices, according to Neuralink. The technology is part of the company’s broader mission to create a generalized brain interface, aiming to restore autonomy to individuals with unmet medical needs.
Mission to Restore Autonomy for Medical Needs
Neuralink’s mission, as stated on their website, is to develop a generalized brain interface that restores autonomy for those with unmet medical needs. The investigative trial, named PRIME (Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface), targets quadriplegic patients, individuals with spinal cord injuries, and those suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Safety Concerns and Scrutiny
While Musk’s endeavor to make telepathy a reality has generated excitement, it has also faced scrutiny. Neuralink was fined for violating trial safety protocols, and the company faced accusations of misleading investors about the technology’s safety. Animal testing results reportedly showed paralysis, seizures, and brain swelling in the study’s subjects.