Neuralink has achieved a major milestone by successfully implanting its brain-computer interface (BCI) chip in a human for the first time. CEO Elon Musk shared the news on his social media platform, X, revealing that the groundbreaking procedure took place on Sunday. The patient is currently in recovery, and Musk expressed optimism about the initial results, particularly highlighting the detection of “neuron spikes.”
This accomplishment represents a significant step forward in Neuralink’s mission to bring life-changing technology to fruition. Musk also unveiled the first product resulting from Neuralink’s efforts, named “Telepathy,” emphasizing its potential to benefit individuals who have lost the use of their limbs. He painted a compelling picture of the impact, envisioning a scenario where individuals like Stephen Hawking could communicate at an incredibly fast pace.
Despite facing controversies and challenges, including scrutiny following the death of a monkey during an experiment in 2022, Neuralink has persevered. The startup obtained FDA clearance for human clinical trials in May 2023, paving the way for its ongoing “PRIME Study” to evaluate the safety and functionality of the implanted chip and surgical tools.
While Musk’s announcement is promising, it’s important to note that Neuralink’s brain implants must undergo regulatory approval before they can be launched to the mass market. The FDA has been closely monitoring brain-computer interface devices, recognizing the rapid advancements in this field.
Neuralink is not alone in its pursuit of BCIs, as other companies like Synchron, Precision Neuroscience, Paradromics, and Blackrock Neurotech are also exploring similar technologies. The potential benefits of brain-nervous system interfaces for individuals with neurological disorders are widely acknowledged by experts, but widespread availability may still be years away due to the experimental nature of these technologies and the invasive procedures involved.
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2024-02-01 13:00:05
Original from www.ibtimes.com