From Sci-Fi to Reality? Neuralink Implant Allows Patients to Think Their Way Around!

The first human patient implanted with a Neuralink brain chip appears to have fully recovered and can now move a computer mouse with their thoughts, according to the startup's founder, Elon Musk, late Monday. Neuralink is a neurotechnology startup formed by Elon Musk in 2016 to create implantable brain-computer interfaces. These interfaces aim to connect the human brain directly to a computer, allowing communication and control without using standard input devices like keyboards or touchscreens.

"Progress is good, and the patient appears to have fully recovered, with no adverse effects we know. "The patient can move a mouse around the screen simply by thinking," Musk claimed during a Spaces event on social media platform X. Musk stated that Neuralink was now attempting to acquire as many mouse button clicks as possible from the patient. Neuralink did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for additional information.

Technology

Neuralink's BCI technology uses tiny threads (called "threads") implanted into the brain. These threads contain electrodes that can record and stimulate neural activity. The current iteration of the Neuralink implant has 1,024 electrodes, significantly more than other clinical-approved BCIs. This allows for a higher resolution of neural signals and potentially more complex interactions. The company is also developing a robotic surgical system for implanting these threads, aiming for a minimally invasive procedure. The company successfully implanted a chip in its first human patient last month after approval for human trial enrollment in September.

According to Neuralink, the project employs a robot to surgically place a brain-computer interface implant in a part of the brain that regulates the intention to move, with the original goal of allowing patients to control a computer cursor or keyboard with their thoughts.

Goals

Neuralink's long-term vision is to integrate the human brain and computers seamlessly. Musk has lofty goals for Neuralink, claiming that it will enable rapid surgical insertions of its chip devices to cure illnesses such as obesity, autism, depression, and schizophrenia.

This could enable applications in various fields, such as:

• Restoring lost sensory and motor functions in individuals with paralysis or spinal cord injuries.
• Treating neurological disorders like epilepsy and depression.
• Enhancing human cognitive abilities such as memory and focus.
• Facilitating direct communication between the brain and computers for advanced control and interaction.

Conclusion

Neuralink has conducted initial animal testing and claims to have successfully implanted its BCI in monkeys. The company completed its first human trial in January 2024, planting the device in a person with tetraplegia. Neuralink is actively recruiting for various positions, indicating continued development and expansion.

Neuralink, valued at $5 billion last year, has been repeatedly questioned about its safety standards. Last month, Reuters reported that the company was punished for violating US Department of Transportation regulations governing the movement of hazardous commodities.