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February 3, 2024
In a groundbreaking development, Elon Musk’s Neuralink has successfully implanted a ‘brain-reading’ device into a human for the first time, as announced by Musk in a tweet on January 29. The company aims to revolutionize brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) with the potential to empower individuals with severe paralysis to control computers, robotic arms, wheelchairs, and other devices through thought alone.
BCIs record and decode brain activity, holding promise for enhancing the lives of those with neurological conditions. Neuralink’s implant, a fully implanted and wireless system, marks a significant step forward in BCI technology. However, the lack of detailed information about the ongoing human trial has stirred frustration among neurotechnology researchers.
Mariska Vansteensel, a neuroscientist at University Medical Centre Utrecht, emphasizes the need for Neuralink to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of its device, both in the short term and, crucially, over the long term. The trial, not registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, a public repository curated by the US National Institutes of Health, has raised concerns about transparency and the dissemination of information.
Neuralink’s chip is distinct from other BCIs, such as those developed by Blackrock Neurotech, as it targets individual neurons with electrodes that penetrate the brain. The fully implanted and wireless nature of Neuralink’s system, featuring 64 flexible polymer threads with 1,024 recording sites, sets it apart in terms of safety, signal quality, durability, and user experience.
The ongoing human trial, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is expected to prioritize safety, observing immediate impacts, checking for infections, and conducting long-term follow-ups over five years. The trial will also assess the functionality of the device, with volunteers using it regularly to control a computer and provide feedback on their experiences.
While excitement surrounds the diversity of BCI approaches, researchers and patient advocates stress the importance of transparency in releasing information. Ian Burkhart, co-founder of the BCI Pioneers Coalition and a paraplegic, expresses enthusiasm for the potential advancements but calls for more transparency from Neuralink to keep patients informed and manage expectations.
As the trial unfolds, the scientific community eagerly awaits comprehensive data on the safety, efficacy, and long-term viability of Neuralink’s brain-reading device, anticipating potential breakthroughs in the field of neural interfaces.
