First Human Test of Elon Musk's Neuralink Brain Implant: A Revolutionary Step

Technology has changed almost every aspect of our lives, and developments in brain implants are set to revolutionize the whole dynamic. Neuralink, a company based in the USA, is among the pioneers of this technology and has ultimately reached a point of testing this technology in humans. Their founder and Billionaire Elon Musk, reported via his X account on January 30th, 2024 that the first human received the company's implant and is recovering well. "Initial results show promising neuron spike detection", Musk added.

In this article, we will discuss the progress of this brain implant, how it works, and its implications for our daily lives.

How It Works?

According to the company, Neuralink is a chip that would be implanted in human brains to ensure control and unlock human potential in the future. The chip enables control of your phone or computer and through them almost any device, just by thinking.

Implant Structure

The chip is implanted in the human brain where it record neural activity through 1024 electrodes distributed across 64 threads. These threads are highly flexible and ultra-thin to minimize damage during implantation and continue to stay in the human body.

The Neuralink implant contains low-power chips and electronics that process the neural signals and transmit them wirelessly to the Neuralink Application which decodes the data stream into actions and intents of the individual.

The implant utilizes wireless charging of its small battery from the outside via a compact inductive charger. This ensures easy use from anywhere.

The implant is sealed in a Biocompatible enclosure that withstands physiological conditions in the human body to ensure it is not damaged by changes in the human body.

Implantation Process

The implant contains threads that are very fine and can't be inserted by the human hand. Therefore, the company has developed a Surgical Robot that would ensure these threads are inserted exactly where they need to be.

The Robot head contains the optics and sensors of 5 camera systems for clear visual and a needle, thinner than a human hair that grasps, inserts, and releases the threads on the human brain.

Interface

Furthermore, the company has built a brain-computer interface that enables fast and reliable computer control and enhances ease of use.

Who It's For?

The company is currently focusing on people with quadriplegia(spinal cord injury that causes paralysis after an accident. ) giving them the ability to control their computers and mobile devices with their thoughts.

The company has launched PRIME Study, an investigational medical device trial that evaluates the safety of its implant and surgical robot. They are calling out individuals with limited or no ability to use both hands due to cervical spinal cord injury or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis(ALS) to apply for their special program. Use this link to learn more.

Implications and Potential Impacts

This technology is set to change lives in another dynamic. However, concerns from people around the world are surfacing on the moral aspect of these implants, others terming them as a control object of the subjects. The company has maintained that its motives are to develop ways to restore capabilities such as vision, motor function, and speech in the future impacting and expanding how we experience the world.

"Most of these interfaces require invasive neurosurgery and are still in experimental stages thus it will likely be many years before they are commonly available”, stated Prof Tara Spires-Jones, President of the British Neuroscience Association.

According to Professor Anne Vanhoestenberge a professor at King's College London, she stated that “For any company producing medical devices, the first test in human is a significant milestone. For the brain-computer interface (BCI) community, we must place this news in the context that whilst there are many companies working on exciting products, there are only a few other companies who have implanted their devices in humans, so Neuralink has joined a rather small group.” These are some of the experts opinions on this important milestone.

What are your thoughts on this topic? Share your concerns via the Whatsapp icon on your right.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and follow our social media channels for more revolutionizing news in tech.