Neuralink, a medical startup led by Elon Musk, recently made headlines by successfully implanting its first brain chip in a human. The company aims to explore the potential of the brain chip in controlling external devices through thought, which could greatly benefit individuals with paralysis. Having received FDA approval for human clinical trials, Neuralink is primarily focused on studying the safety and functionality of its chip.
The trial participants chosen by Neuralink are typically individuals who lack motor function due to conditions such as quadriplegia, spinal cord injuries, or ALS. While the specifics of how well the chip is functioning in the first implanted patient are still unknown, previous trials involving primates have shown promising results. Monkeys were able to move a cursor using the chip, and now the company is eager to observe if humans can achieve similar outcomes.
The neural chip developed by Neuralink is about the size of a quarter and consists of tiny threads known as electrodes. More than a thousand of these electrodes are connected to the brain's surface. When a person thinks of a specific movement, the brain emits a distinct burst of electrical energy. Over time, the chip learns to decode these signals and develops a dictionary of movements that can be translated into controlling devices like smartphones or computer mice.
While Neuralink is not the first company to explore brain-computer interfaces, it is the first time this technology is being implemented by Neuralink specifically. Another company called Synchron has already conducted similar implants in patients. The founder of Synchron explained that a brain-computer interface can restore the functionality of the brain by detecting and interacting with its electrical signals.
Although implanting a device into the brain may raise concerns about potential risks, Neuralink's surgical team is composed of experts experienced in these procedures. The primary risks associated with the implantation include infection, bleeding, and general complications that arise from introducing foreign objects into the body.
Neuralink has faced scrutiny in the past, with some employees expressing concerns about the pace of development. Additionally, an incident involving the death of a primate during an earlier trial attracted attention. However, it should be noted that the current implantation in humans represents a significant step forward, but further research is necessary to determine the chip's effectiveness in allowing individuals with conditions like ALS or quadriplegia to control their immediate environment.
The implications of successful brain-computer interface technology are immense, and the potential to restore movement and independence for paralyzed individuals is extraordinary.
