It seems that we’re straight into the sci-fi realm. Check out the latest reports about Elon Musk’s latest achievement.
Elon Musk’s Neuralink lands into the first human subject
Elon Musk’s Neuralink project has taken a significant leap forward as the tech billionaire announced that the startup has successfully implanted a brain chip into a human subject for the first time.
Although Musk has not disclosed much detail, he did mention that the recipient is “recovering well”. The announcement was made on X (previously known as Twitter).
“Initial results show promising neuron spike detection,” Musk wrote on the social media platform that he purchased in 2022.
Spikes in this context refer to peaks of electrical activity that are generated by neurons.
However, it is still unclear at this stage how successful the procedure has been or what outcome the patient might expect.
Neuralink, on the other hand, is developing a brain-computer interface implant with the goal of enabling humans to control devices solely through their thoughts. The company’s intention is to help individuals suffering from paralysis to operate equipment that would facilitate their communication and movement.
Check out the following post Musk shared on his social media:
The first human received an implant from @Neuralink yesterday and is recovering well.
Initial results show promising neuron spike detection.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 29, 2024
He also revealed the name of the product:
The first @Neuralink product is called Telepathy
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 29, 2024
He also shared this post:
Enables control of your phone or computer, and through them almost any device, just by thinking.
Initial users will be those who have lost the use of their limbs.
Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer. That is the goal.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 30, 2024
Last year, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the PRIME Study, which involves using a robot to surgically connect Neuralink’s implant’s ultra-fine threads to participants’ motor cortices.
IFLScience speculates that this technology may eventually lead to abilities such as brain-to-brain communication, thought-hacking and even the potential to extend life by transferring old brains into young bodies.
While these applications are still far from being realized, the start of Neuralink’s first human trial is likely to trigger people’s imaginations.
