- VIVA.co.id/Arianti Widya
United States – Elon Musk announced on Monday that the first human has received a brain implant through his Neuralink startup - marking a new step forward for the company and its goal to connect the human brain to computers.
“The first human received an implant from @Neuralink yesterday and is recovering well. Initial results show promising neuron spike detection," Musk announced in a post on X on Monday evening.
Elon Musk's mission has finally been accomplished after years of Neuralink conducting trials. As known, Neuralink is his brain implant startup.
Neuralink.
- YouTube
The owner of the X social media platform also revealed that the initial trial results show promising detection of neuron spikes.
Where spikes are neuron activity, described by the National Institute of Health as cells that use electrical and chemical signals to transmit information throughout the brain and body.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted permission to the company last year to conduct its first human trials, a significant milestone in the startup's ambition to assist patients with paralysis and various neurological conditions.
In September, Neuralink announced it had received approval for human trials. The research uses robots to implant brain-computer interface (BCI) in the brain region that controls the intention to move, Neuralink previously stated, adding that the initial goal is to enable people to control a computer cursor or keyboard with their own thoughts.
The "ultra-fine" threads of the implant help transmit signals to the participants' brains, Neuralink said. The first product from Neuralink will be named Telepathy, Musk said in a separate post on X.
The PRIME study conducted by this startup is a wireless brain-computer interface trial to evaluate the safety of implants and surgical robots.
According to Reuters, the company has faced various demands to be examined regarding its safety protocols.
Earlier this month, the company was also fined for violating US Department of Transportation regulations regarding the transportation of hazardous materials.
The company was valued at around $5 billion last June, but four members of parliament in late November requested the US Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate whether Musk misled investors about the safety of his technology after veterinary records showed issues with implants in monkeys, including paralysis, seizures, and brain swelling.
As additional information, Elon Musk has implanted a chip in the brain of a paralyzed person. The processor, combined with artificial intelligence (AI) technology, is intended to enable the patient to move again.
Unfortunately, Elon Musk's company activities have sparked controversy, with many experts deeming the work too risky and calling for it to be stopped.
