Neuralink Completes First Human Trial
Elon Musk's brain-chip startup, Neuralink, successfully implanted its first device in a human patient on Sunday, and the person is recovering well, according to Musk. The initial results show promising neuron spike detection, which refers to the activity of cells in the brain that use electrical and chemical signals to transmit information. This development marks a crucial step for Neuralink's goal to assist patients dealing with paralysis and various neurological conditions. Last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Neuralink clearance to conduct its first human trial, a significant achievement for the company. In September, the startup received approval to recruit participants for the trial. The study involves using a robot to place a brain-computer interface (BCI) implant in a specific brain region controlling the intention to move. The initial aim is to enable people to control a computer cursor or keyboard using their thoughts. Neuralink's implant uses "ultra-fine" threads to transmit signals in participants' brains. Elon Musk mentioned in a post that the first product from Neuralink will be called Telepathy. The PRIME Study, the startup's wireless brain-computer interface trial, focuses on evaluating the safety of the implant and surgical robot. While Neuralink did not immediately provide further details, the company has faced scrutiny over safety protocols. It was reported that the company was fined for violating U.S. Department of Transportation rules regarding the movement of hazardous materials. Additionally, concerns were raised about the safety of Neuralink's technology after veterinary records showed issues with implants on monkeys, including paralysis, seizures, and brain swelling. Elon Musk clarified that no monkeys died as a result of a Neuralink implant, emphasizing that "terminal" monkeys were chosen to minimize risks to healthy ones. By: https://www.instagram.com/p/C2wlfpNofE_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link