Neuralink implants the first brain chip in humans, paving the way for the new era of brain-computer interfaces
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| First Human Implanted with Brain Chip Trial-Image credit to IndiaToday |
Elon Musk, the man behind SpaceX, Tesla, and X, the former Twitter, created Neuralink in 2016 intending to develop brain-computer interfaces—devices that are attached to the brain and enable thought communication between humans and computers.
With these devices, you might be able to do basic computer functions like searching for information or completing intricate computations. In theoretical terms, they might also develop technological telepathy, help blind people see again, and give paralyzed individuals the ability to manipulate prosthetic limbs and move again. Musk has previously stated that humans and AI may develop "a sort of symbiosis" because of the technologies developed by his company.
- Neuralink's first human patient reportedly received a brain implant, according to Elon Musk on X.
- The FDA gave the neurotechnology company permission to start conducting human trials last year.
- The patient is "recovering well," according to Musk, and preliminary findings "show promising neuron spike detection."
The first time a Neuralink brain implant has been placed within the brain of a human patient, according to a post Elon Musk made on X on Monday, January 2024
In a follow-up post, Musk named the first product "Telepathy" and explained that it "allows access to your phone or computer, and you can control them almost with any device, simply through thinking." The initial users will be those who have lost limbs."
"Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer," he continued. "That is the goal."
Neuralink: What is it?
Neuralink is a neurotechnology company founded by Elon Musk in 2016 that is developing an implantable, brain-computer interface called “the Link”. The device is designed to connect human brains directly to computers, allowing people to interact with technology using only their thoughts. The implant is surgically embedded under the skull and contains 1,024 electrodes that are capable of recording and emitting electrical currents. Neuralink’s technology can capture, interpret, and retransmit neural impulses to the brain through stimulation with electricity. The company claims that the device can restore mobility, communication, and neurological functions, and enhance cognitive abilities. Neuralink has demonstrated a system that reads information from a lab rat via 1,500 electrodes and has been approved for human trials in the
United States as of May 2023.
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| Neuralink Brain Chip-Gif-Bloomberg |
Years of development
Since 2019, the billionaire CEO of SpaceX and Tesla has been adamant that human testing for Neuralink will soon start.
According to Reuters, the FDA first turned down Neuralink's application last March 2023 to test its brain chips on humans, citing worries that the devices might move or overheat. In the end, approval was given in May 2023.
Following the approval, thousands of potential patients volunteered to have the implant placed and a part of their skull removed.
Neuralink stated in its website article that it was looking for patients with spinal cord injuries who suffer from paralysis in each of their four limbs or who were recently given the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease when the business began seeking participants for its first human study in September.
Neuralink claims that its implanted technology would aid patients suffering from neurological problems, but the company also plans to build an implant that will enable users to communicate or engage in gaming with just their thoughts.
Musk stated in 2022 that he intended to implant one of the chips in his brain. Through Neuralink, he hopes to develop an interface so strong that people will be able to analyze information more quickly, think more quickly, and " accomplish a kind of symbiosis using artificial intelligence."
However, a few scientists are doubtful. In 2019, neurologist Randy Bruno of Columbia University was interviewed. Bruno expressed doubts about Neuralink's ability to provide significantly better cognitive abilities because of the fundamental functions of the brain.
Bruno, a scientist who inserts electrodes into mouse brains, explained that neurons "work at a certain speed." "I think that's ultimately going to be limiting."
Some have expressed doubts about the technology's morality, its advancement, and Musk's claims regarding the capabilities of Neuralink.
What is Neuralink's current accomplishment?
Neuralink was founded in 2016 and has since accomplished several noteworthy milestones. The Company has created "the Link," an implanted brain-computer interface that connects human brains to computers directly and enables users to communicate with technology just by thinking. The apparatus has 1,024 electrodes that can record and emit electrical currents. It can also record and decode neural signals and use electrical stimulation to send information back to the brain. Neuralink has shown off a device that uses 1,500 electrodes to read data from a lab rat, and as of May 2023, it is authorized for use in human trials in the US.
I addition! The coin-sized Neuralink gadget is intended to be implanted beneath the skull. It reads neuron activity in the brain using small wires that extend a short distance inside the brain. The company has already conducted tests on pigs and shown that the technology could be used by a monkey to play the beloved video game, Pong.
Furthermore, the company has achieved notable technical advances over current devices, such as the use of wireless communication, which is a critical step in the creation of a practical, secure medical device.
Monday,29th January 2024
Musk tweeted that this testing is currently underway. an unknown human subject received the implant, and according to Musk, they are "recovering well." There are still no additional trial details available.
Is this technology secure?
The purpose of the trial is to ascertain that. However, other accounts state that not all of Neuralink's prior animal tests were a success.
An investigation into "apparent egregious violations of the Animal Welfare Act related to the treatment of monkeys used in invasive brain experiments" was requested in a letter sent by the advocacy group Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine to the US Department of Agriculture in 2022.
Documents and other sources were quoted in a Reuters story that same year, which claimed that Neuralink's tests had killed 1500 animals, some of them resulting in "needless suffering and deaths."
Any device meant for human implantation must pass a variety of regulatory checks to guarantee that any possible dangers are fully recognized and that the device, installation procedure, and ongoing use are all relatively safe.
How much will Neuralink cost and when will it be available?
It is a bit early to say, as there is still a long way to go before this is a commercial product and will require extensive testing and approval. However, Musk has stated firmly that he plans to market the technology. "Telepathy" is the moniker of the first anticipated product, which will let people operate PCs and phones.
The Science News Centre, a non-profit organization in the UK, was informed by Tara Spires-Jones of the University of Edinburgh, UK, that Neuralink has a lot of possibilities and that several research organizations are working on related concepts.
"Brain-spine interfaces have been implanted in the most recent trials (unrelated to Neuralink) to assist people with paralysis walk, as well as other work shows encouraging developments in computers understanding neurons and brain scans to allow people who can't speak to communicate," the spokesperson said. However, it will probably be several years before such interfaces are widely accessible because most of them need significant neurosurgery and are still in the early stages of testing.
However, according to a report by Technology Networks, Neuralink’s prototype offers a low-power chip that doesn’t require frequent battery changes, which could make it more user-friendly and accessible to a larger target audience that could benefit from it.
Challenges
Neuralink's brain implant technology faces some significant challenges that will need to be addressed. A key concern is the invasiveness of the implant procedure. Neuralink's coin-sized implant requires drilling small holes into the skull to insert threads of electrodes into the brain. This is a complex surgical procedure that carries risks, such as potential infection. Ensuring the safety and viability of this procedure in a larger patient population will be crucial.
Another challenge is developing the implant's long-term biocompatibility so it can remain in the brain without causing damage or triggering immune responses. The durability and stability of the electrical connections between the implanted electrodes and neurons will need to be robust over decades. There are also open questions about the long-term risks of having a permanently implanted device.
More research will also need to be done to improve the implant's ability to accurately decode neural signals. While the technology has shown initial promise, more work is needed to develop algorithms and machine-learning capabilities that can reliably interpret the vast complexity of brain activity. This will be key to making the device useful for restoring brain functions.
Overall, while Neuralink has made impressive progress, there are still significant technology and medical hurdles to be cleared before such brain implants could become viable and safe for widespread human use. Carefully conducted research and rigorous safety testing protocols will be essential as the technology continues to be developed.
Future Implications and Ethical Considerations:
Neuralink's technology has the potential to transform neurology and treat a range of neurological conditions, including paralysis, by giving people who have lost their mobility and independence back. The company's goal extends beyond merely establishing a basic link between the human brain and outside technologies. It imagines a time when people will be able to take advantage of AI's enormous potential to advance their mental abilities and discover previously unexplored areas of knowledge. But with the broad use of this technology comes social and ethical consequences, just like with any new technology. Given that Neuralink technology permits direct access to the human brain, privacy and security issues are among the ethical issues that may arise when using it.
The usage of Neuralink raises several additional ethical questions. Due to the technology's direct access to the human brain, one of the main worries is the possibility of security and privacy breaches. The technology also raises concerns about the potential for misuse, such as the creation of superhumans or the use of the technology for military objectives. The psychological and physical ramifications of brain-computer interface technology have not yet been completely explored. Concerns abound over the technology's potential to worsen already-existing societal injustices because it might only be available to those with the means to do so.
Additionally, there is still more to learn about the psychological and physical implications of brain-computer interface technology. It's critical to keep an eye on Neuralink's advancement and any potential long-term effects in the future.
China to rival Elon Musk’s Neuralink with its own brain-computer interface by 2025”
After Neuralink successfully inserted a chip into the first human brain on Sunday, the competition to implant smartphone technology straight into the brain stem intensified. China on Monday established a plan to build its own "brain-computer interface" with products expected as early as 2025, in an attempt to compete with this new technological advancement.
A Chinese press statement on Monday states that one of China's "innovative iconic products" is a "brain-computer interface." According to China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the nation wants to achieve advances in the next several years in critical technologies and essential devices including brain-computer fusion, brain-like chips, and brain-computing neural models.
These preliminary declarations provide an insight into what could turn out to be the biggest global technological conflict of the ensuing ten years. You won't have to use your muscles to browse TikTok when someone finds a way to implant your smartphone directly into your brain. Your body will just become mushy and floppy as digital businesses make use of your mental data. Elon Musk and China have been working on this dystopian future for years; it allows you to work from your head instead of from your house.
It is the goal of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology to create several user-friendly brain-interface devices. According to the ministry, neural technology may be applied to virtual reality, medical rehabilitation, and autonomous driving. Numerous references are made to the possibility of "brain-inspired intelligence," or "generative AI," working with these new technologies.
The Chinese government established a 60-individual lab this past year with only one focus on brain-computer interfaces. As reported by the South China Morning Post, the lab's main goal is to translate its findings into useful products that might rival Elon Musk's Neuralink.
Additionally, Chinese researchers created a computer gizmo that attaches to your inner ear to communicate with your brain. According to The Independent, this device can still deliver "full-bandwidth data streams" to the brain without the need for a chip implant, unlike Neuralink.
Although Neuralink made a big advancement in implanting a chip into the human brain, the technology is still in its early stages of development. According to Musk's business, brain-computer interfaces may be beneficial for those with impairments. Neuralink requested early participation in its brain chip implant study from those who suffer from paralysis, deafness, or vision loss.
For the past twenty years, computer corporations have been chasing your brain as their data center. Social media algorithms and internet tracking tools like cookies have allowed the tech to gradually learn what makes you happy, excited, and angry.
The natural gap between you and Big Tech will ultimately vanish with brain-computer interfacing. Technology may theoretically discover everything about you and would have unrestricted access to your thoughts. It's comforting to know that China and Elon Musk, two of the most reliable names in technology, are leading the way in the newest, most dangerous technological revolution.
To My Readers
“The human brain has 100 billion neurons, each neuron connected to 10 thousand other neurons. Sitting on your shoulders is the most complicated object in the known universe.” - Michio Kaku
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