Musk’s Neuralink implants brain chip in first human

Neuralink, a brain-chip startup founded by Elon Musk, has successfully implanted its chip in a human patient’s brain, marking a significant milestone in the field of brain-computer interfaces, which aims to merge the human brain with artificial intelligence.

According to Musk, the patient is recovering well after the surgery, and the company is optimistic about the potential of the implant to improve human cognition and treat neurological disorders.

“Initial results show promising neuron spike detection,” Musk said in a post on the social media platform X.

The first human received an implant from @Neuralink yesterday and is recovering well.

Initial results show promising neuron spike detection.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 29, 2024

Neurons generate spikes, characterized by electrical and chemical signals, according to the National Institute of Health. These specialized cells employ these spikes to transmit information within the intricate network of the brain and throughout the body.

Last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted clearance to the company for its inaugural human trial, marking a pivotal achievement in the startup’s mission to address paralysis and various neurological conditions. In September, Neuralink announced its approval for human trial recruitment, signalling significant progress in its efforts.

The research employs a robotic system for the precise surgical placement of a brain-computer interface (BCI) implant within the brain’s intention-to-move control region, as outlined by Neuralink.

PRIME

The startup’s PRIME (Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface) Study is a trial for its wireless brain-computer interface to evaluate the safety of the implant and surgical robot.

PRIME encouraged interest from those with quadriplegia from a cervical spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). People putting themselves forward also had to be at least 22 years old and have a consistent and reliable caregiver.

The company articulated in a statement that the primary aim of its Brain-Computer Interface is to empower individuals to manipulate a computer cursor or keyboard exclusively through the power of their thoughts.

Also Read: Elon Musk gets go-ahead for human brain-implant trial

For instance, an individual with paralysis might gain the ability to operate their mobile device simply by envisioning hand movements. Elon Musk has gone as far as suggesting that this technology has the potential to eventually endow humans with “superhuman cognition.”

During the study, Neuralink outlined the utilization of a robot for the surgical placement of the implant’s ultra-fine and flexible threads within the brain region responsible for controlling movement intention. Stating that once situated, the implant is cosmetically invisible, the company clarified that its purpose is to record and wirelessly transmit brain signals to an application, facilitating the decoding of movement intention.

Within that period, Neuralink specified that individuals facing quadriplegia resulting from cervical spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) could potentially be eligible for participation in the study.

In its own words, Neuralink aims to “create a generalized brain interface to restore autonomy to those with unmet medical needs today and unlock human potential tomorrow.”

The first product from Neuralink would be called Telepathy, Musk said in a separate post on X.

Enables control of your phone or computer, and through them almost any device, just by thinking.

Initial users will be those who have lost the use of their limbs.

Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer. That is the goal.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 30, 2024

Scrutiny

The company has come under scrutiny for its safety protocols, with recent attention on a fine imposed earlier this month for violating U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations related to the transportation of hazardous materials.

Last year, Neuralink also faced a US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Inspector General investigation over potential animal welfare violations related to research testing.

In a September 10 social media post, Musk clarified that “no monkey has perished due to a Neuralink implant.” He further explained that the company deliberately selected “terminal” monkeys to mitigate any potential risks to healthy individuals.