As of the end of 2022, we brought attention to claims of Neuralink causing significant distress to monkeys as human trials were underway. This Monday, the company made a somewhat controversial move by successfully implanting one of its wireless brain chips in a human. Although specific information about the patient remains undisclosed, Elon Musk has stated that the individual is on a positive path to recovery.
The procedure, conducted on January 28, 2024, represents a notable step in the advancement of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), which could potentially reshape the way we engage with computers and each other.
The Neuralink chip, roughly the size of a coin, is inserted into the brain through a minimally invasive surgical process. Housing thousands of minuscule electrodes capable of recording brain electrical signals, these signals can then be wirelessly transmitted to a computer, granting the user control over devices through their thoughts.
Musk envisions Neuralink as a means to develop a BCI addressing various neurological conditions, including paralysis, blindness, and deafness. He also suggests the possibility of BCIs enhancing human capabilities such as memory and learning. The FDA has granted approval for Neuralink to conduct a human trial, set to commence in 2024, involving the chip implantation in several patients.
Musk’s announcement has stirred excitement, but it has also prompted concerns. Some experts see the positive potential of BCIs revolutionizing medicine, while others express worries about the safety and ethical implications of a technology that could potentially shape or control people’s thoughts. The risks associated with the surgical procedure, including infection and potential damage to brain tissue, along with concerns about hacking and ethical considerations, necessitate careful evaluation and the implementation of mitigation strategies. Despite the anticipated controversy surrounding Neuralink’s journey, the allure of its potential benefits suggests that taking the risk may be justified, even if the outcome remains uncertain.
