All the essential details about Neuralink’s inaugural human brain chip implant conducted by Elon Musk
Elon Musk’s Neuralink has recently begun experimenting with people’s minds – quite literally! The neurotechnology firm has revealed that it successfully conducted its inaugural human brain implant, following a surge of interest from numerous applicants. Having obtained FDA approval for human trials in the previous year, Neuralink has now accomplished its first test.
In an X-message on Tuesday, Musk announced: “The first person received an implant from @Neuralink yesterday and is recovering well. Preliminary results show promise for neuronal spike detection.” Here’s everything you need to know about the Neuralink trial.
All about the Neuralink experiment
The trial is called the “PRIME Study” and is expected to last 6 years. According to reports, Neuralink has built a 4mm square chip called the N1 that is intended to be implanted inside the skull. The chip has very thin wires that reach into the brain. The wires can receive and detect brain signals that are transmitted between neurons, and they can also generate their own impulse that mimics the impulse of the neurons. Musk says the device is called Telepathy.
According to the company, the chip can connect to 1,000 different brain cells. Up to 10 chips can be implanted in a patient, the company claims. The experiment builds on decades of technology to implant electrodes in the human brain to interpret signals and treat conditions such as paralysis, epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease, Bloomberg reported. It’s just one of 11 surgeries Neuralink plans to make in 2024.
How does it help people?
According to Musk, this Neuralink experiment is primarily aimed at helping the paralyzed. In time, it could potentially be used to help those with vision and hearing impairments. But the ultimate goal? Merging humanity with artificial intelligence (AI) that’s something straight out of Cyberpunk 2077.
Who all is eligible?
There is a condition for entering the study. Neuralink’s patient registry application states that volunteers must have one of the following conditions: quadriplegic, paraplegic, visual impairment or blindness, aphasia or inability to speak, hearing loss or deafness, and/or amputation of a large limb (affecting the upper or lower limb). elbow and/or above or below the knee).
Patients must also be of legal age, i.e. at least 18 years of age and of legal age in their state. They must also be a US citizen or permanent resident.
