Introduction
Neuralink is the neurotechnology which is found by Elon Musk in 2016 to develop the brain-machine interface.It aims is to create a device which can be implanted in humans that allowing for a direct connection between Brain and the computer.It is used for neurological disorders for enhancing human capabilities.
What is neuralink?
Neuralink is a technology which are implanted in humans for the people with paralysis helping them to regain their independence through computers and mobile devices.They insert a small chip in human brains about a size of a coin that would be implanted through surgeries in skull and connect wirelessly to a small computer wore behind their ears which connects to the internet and other devices.
The company is also trying to find a new method to help with this and researching a new way called "optogentic" which uses light to control the activities of the neurons.The device which is implanted in the humans skull records the electrical activities of the neurons.Then these are send to the small computer connected wirelessly.
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Understanding brain machine interface:
Brain-machine interface(BMIs)are the devices that has the direct connection between the brain and the external computers.They translate the brain signals into commands which are understood by the computers and are executed by them.This helps us to restore the lost functions or unlock new possibilities.
The primary objective is to enhance human cognition, memory and communication.Neuralink's vision encompasses a wide range of potential applications including assisting individuals with neurological conditions.
Animal testing:
The company have implanted the chips in animals like living monkeys and pigs.To this the company has faced many criticism and problems from "Peta".The company has joint with some other companies like UC Dravis which gave them seven monkey to implant the chips and test it with them .While doing the surgery many monkey had faced a lots of problems and many died . Additionally , a report by Reuters claims from several neuralink employees that testing was rushed due to Elon musk's demand for fast results.
In October,2023 wired reported that neuralink worked to keep the details of the animals suffering and death hidden from the public.
In 2021 and 2022, the company killed about 250 sheep, pigs and primates, the company records show. In one instance in 2021, the company implanted 25 out of 60 pigs with the wrong-sized devices, Reuters previously reported. Neuralink employees said the error could have been avoided with better preparation.
Human testing :
Neuralink got approval by FDA for human clinical trial in May 2023.The FDA previously rejected in 2022 for the approval of human clinical trial by considering the safety concerns involving the device lithium batteries the potential for the implant tiny wires to migrate to the other areas of brain.
In September 2023, Neuralink opened up its first human trials. It recruited people with quadriplegia due to cervical spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis under an investigational device exemption by the FDA.
On January 29,2024 Elon Musk has said that neuralink was successfully implanted a Neuralink device in a human on a day prior and the patient was recovering.
Musk has grand ambitions for Neuralink, saying it would facilitate speedy surgical insertions of its chip devices to treat conditions like obesity, autism, depression and schizophrenia.In May, the company said it had received clearance from the FDA for its first-in-human clinical trial, when it was already under federal scrutiny for its handling of animal testing.Even if the BCI device proves to be safe for human use, it would still potentially take more than a decade for the startup to secure commercial use clearance for it.
Pros:
- Improved ability to learn and remember new information .
- People with disability have a higher quality of life.
- Human-Ai communication and collaboration has improved.
- Better internet and other device connectivity.
Cons:
- Abuse and misapplication are possible.
- High rish of brain injury and infection.
- Invasion of one's privacy.
- BCI technology is expensive.
- Difficulty in removing and repairing BCI when they fail.
Conclusion
The goal of Neuralink is to create brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that will allow humans to communicate with each other telepathically over long distances without using any devices such as cell phones or computers.
This technology has many benefits such as helping paraplegics regain mobility through robotic prosthetics controlled by electrical signals sent from their brains. The project is still in its infancy, but it has already attracted a lot of attention from investors and potential customers.
If Neuralink succeeds in developing this technology, it will have an incredible impact on our lives and society as a whole.